Politics 9 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Civil Society Urges Scrap of Sovereignty Bill Over Fears of Rights Erosion
Ugandan civil society groups are demanding the immediate withdrawal of the proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, citing risks to constitutional freedoms and participatory governance. They warn it could centralize power, target dissent, and harm the economy through harsh penalties and restrictions on foreign funding. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/civil-society-demands-withdrawal-of-sovereignty-bill-warns-of-rights-erosion-5418726
Several Ugandan civil society organizations have demanded that the government pull back the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, before it reaches parliament. In a joint statement released on April 9, they described the legislation as a threat to individual liberties and the principles of collective governance.
The groups argue that the bill would centralize authority in executive hands, curbing foreign-funded activities by NGOs, political groups, and activists. Former minister and activist Miria Matembe stated that Uganda already possesses adequate laws to counter external influences, calling the bill a ploy to undermine the 1995 Constitution’s core spirit.
Critics highlight its potential to suppress opposition voices and affect diaspora Ugandans. Charles Kazooba noted it conflicts with Article 15 of the Constitution, which supports dual citizenship, potentially disenfranchising millions abroad.
Edith Sempala from the Alliance for National Transformation criticized the bill’s severe punishments, including up to 20 years in prison for individuals and fines up to Shs4 billion for organizations—disproportionate to minor violations.
Matembe further warned of economic fallout, including reduced foreign investment and diaspora remittances, exacerbating burdens from already high proposed taxes for 2026/27.
The organizations called on diaspora Ugandans to engage international partners, the private sector to flag investment risks, and citizens to lobby MPs against the bill’s threats to remittances, healthcare, and personal freedoms.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)