Bishop Kisembo Urges Parliament to Drop Protection of Sovereignty Bill

Bishop Reuben Kisembo of Ruwenzori Diocese has urged Uganda’s Parliament to abandon the proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026. He argues the legislation could harm the nation by restricting foreign financial and humanitarian aid.

In an interview, Kisembo stressed Uganda’s heavy reliance on external support for projects, including church initiatives and aid to vulnerable groups. ‘We lack enough resources to handle everything ourselves,’ he said, noting that families often receive remittances from abroad.

The bill aims to curb foreign influence by monitoring recipients of overseas funds. Critics fear it might suppress groups dependent on such assistance and limit freedoms.

Fort Portal City Mayor-elect Rev Willy Kintu Muhanga called the bill ‘barbaric, inhuman, and ungodly.’ He questioned why lawmakers prioritize it over corruption, citing Auditor General reports of trillions lost annually.

Muhanga highlighted Uganda’s need for development partners and NGOs, warning that funding curbs would raise taxes and burden the poor.

Civil society in Tooro raised alarms, with TOORONET’s Edward Itoote noting the bill’s broad definition of ‘foreign agent’ could impact professionals, diaspora families, and even citizenship rights.

Kamwenge District Speaker Gerald Twebaze suggested deferring it to the incoming 12th Parliament for broader consultations, amid pressing socio-economic issues.

Source: Daily Monitor