Civil Society Groups Push Parliament to Scrap Sovereignty Bill

Civil society organizations (CSOs) and NGOs have urged Uganda’s Parliament to fully reject the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, or subject it to intense scrutiny. They warn that the legislation, while claiming to safeguard sovereignty, actually erodes it by imposing severe restrictions on civic activities.

During a consultative meeting on Wednesday, leaders from various groups submitted their concerns ahead of a Friday deadline for a memorandum to the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs. Patricia Munaabi of the Forum for Women in Democracy stressed the need to demonstrate the bill’s harm to the nation.

Key criticisms include the bill’s expansive definition of ‘foreigner,’ which encompasses Ugandans living abroad, endangering vulnerable groups like youth and women, according to Yona Wanjala of Civic Advisory Hub. Mohamad Ndifuna of Access Point highlighted how it hampers citizen engagement through mandatory registration as foreign agents for any external funding or support.

CSOs face requirements to register with the Ministry of Internal Affairs for clearance on proposals, receipts, and use of foreign funds, which Ndifuna called disastrous for their operations. Wilfred Oketcho of Onyango and Co Advocates warned of the minister’s unchecked revocation powers and vowed constitutional court challenges if passed.

The bill was gazetted on April 13, 2026, tabled on April 15, and referred to the Committees on Defence and Internal Affairs and Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)