Politics 24 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda's Protection of Sovereignty Bill Sparks Fears of Overreach and Economic Harm
Opposition MPs and critics have slammed Uganda's proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill for its overly broad clauses that could label citizens as foreign agents and criminalize transactions over Shs400 million annually. The legislation, aimed at curbing external interference, raises alarms over threats to remittances, investments, and constitutional rights amid intelligence claims of opposition plots. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/people-power/a-sovereign-mess-or-a-sovereign-remedy--5435412
Uganda’s Parliament is grappling with intense debate over the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, which has ignited widespread anxiety on social media platforms like X. Activists such as Patricia Munabi questioned its repeated listing on the Order Paper, prompting clarifications that it was merely procedural ahead of public memoranda submissions.
Opposition MP Medard Lubega Sseggona challenged Clause 22 during committee sessions with Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Minister Gen David Muhoozi. He highlighted its vague language, which slaps a ‘derogatory’ foreign agent tag on individuals and risks criminalizing financial dealings exceeding Shs400 million in a year, even for unrelated personal matters like village remittances.
Critics including lawyer Nicholas Opiyo warn of abuse potential, noting expansive ministerial powers to designate citizens as foreign agents without judicial oversight. This could undermine Article 1 of the Constitution, which vests sovereignty in the people, as flagged by the Uganda Law Society.
The Bill stems from a 2024 intelligence report by Brig Gen Abdul Rugumayo alleging opposition figures like Robert Kyagulanyi, Kizza Besigye, and Mugisha Muntu plotted regime change with foreign and LGBTQ support, funneling over $5 million to the National Unity Platform for protests. Ministers argue it plugs gaps against unregulated foreign funding threatening security and morals.
Economic fallout looms large. Experts like Sarah Bireete point out no exemptions for commercial deals, family remittances ($2.6 billion last year), or loans from bodies like the African Development Bank. The Uganda Bankers’ Association fears disrupted capital flows, while everyday transfers for medical care or exports like coffee and gold hang in balance.
Further concerns include reintroducing criminalized false news publication—previously struck down—and a new economic sabotage offense curbing freedoms of expression and media.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)