“Museveni has been speaking about democracy, but where is that democracy he speaks of if he can't tolerate those who criticise his government? What is happening in villages undermines the same democracy he talks about,” Ssenyonyi said.
The competition aims to encourage every Ugandan to confidently sing the National Anthem while promoting the use of Kiswahili and increasing appreciation of the East African Community anthem as Uganda advances regional integration.
Amuriat said citizens from across civil society, academia, and political groups presented a united front before Parliament’s joint committees, with the majority rejecting the bill.
Museveni compared the proposed exemption to existing tax relief for police and army personnel, stressing that scientists deserve similar recognition for their role in national development.