Politics 22 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Protection of Sovereignty Bill: A Threat Even to NRM Lawmakers and All Ugandans
NRM MPs endorsed the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, under party guidance, but critics warn it could victimize them first by broadly defining Ugandans abroad as foreigners, risking arrests, fund seizures, and constitutional violations for receiving diaspora support. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/sovereignty-bill-why-nrm-members-and-everyone-else-should-be-bothered-5433254
On March 27, NRM Parliamentary Caucus members at State House Entebbe unanimously backed the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, viewing it as a defense against NGOs and opposition funded by foreign money. However, analysts argue this endorsement overlooks its broad and dangerous scope.
The bill’s introduction reeks of bad faith, timed for the 11th Parliament’s final weeks amid vulnerability, with MPs losing seats and urgent business like tax bills and the budget pending. It skips the mandatory 45-day public scrutiny, following recent NGO permit revocations and funding cuts—despite sector funding dropping 80% over two decades, now mostly complementing government efforts.
Clause 1’s vague ‘foreigner’ definition includes Ugandan citizens abroad, enabling inspectors to raid cultural sites like kings’ palaces on suspicion of foreign influence, clashing with constitutional cultural rights. Religious leaders risk arrest for altar protections or 20-year sentences for unpermitted church or orphan aid under Clause 22.
It undermines family ties by stripping diaspora Ugandans of domestic status, breaching citizenship articles 10 and 15, and dual citizenship laws. MPs receiving child support from abroad face fund seizures, Shs4 billion fines, or 20 years under Clause 25, violating property rights in Article 26.
Governance researcher Job Kiija urges 11th Parliament MPs to scrutinize and reject this draconian, unconstitutional bill, warning it targets them, their families, and friends, potentially isolating Uganda globally like Hungary.
Civil society groups echo calls to reject it, arguing it undermines rather than protects sovereignty.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)