Politics 29 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Buganda Kingdom Challenges Sovereignty Bill in Petition to Attorney General
The Buganda Kingdom has submitted a petition to Uganda's Attorney General, expressing worries that the Draft Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, could erode constitutional rights, hinder development efforts, and deter investors. While backing the goal of protecting national sovereignty, the kingdom urges revisions to avoid harming traditional institutions and public participation. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/buganda-kingdom-petitions-attorney-general-over-sovereignty-bill-5441464
The Buganda Kingdom has formally petitioned the Attorney General over the Draft Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026. In a submission dated April 13, Kingdom Attorney General Christopher Bwanika voiced support for shielding national sovereignty but highlighted risks to constitutional freedoms, development projects, and Uganda’s investment appeal.
Bwanika stressed that the kingdom’s input stems from partnership with the government, not political opposition. He aims to help refine the bill to benefit Ugandans without unintended harm.
Key concerns include the bill’s expansive definition of ‘foreigner’ and ‘agent of a foreigner.’ This could mistakenly label diaspora Ugandans or cultural groups as foreign agents, especially for events like the Kabaka Birthday Run. Donor support from bodies like UNAIDS and USAID for kingdom programs might also face scrutiny.
The petition warns that the bill could criminalize routine civic discussions on issues like land, health, or education, blurring lines between interference and legitimate advocacy.
Clause 13 on economic sabotage drew sharp criticism for its vagueness, with penalties up to Shs2 billion fines or 20 years in prison potentially silencing critical views on government projects.
Financial rules mandating approval for funds over Shs400 million were called impractical, threatening health, education, and agriculture initiatives. Public disclosure of donors was flagged as a privacy breach that might discourage diaspora contributions, with confidential reporting suggested instead.
Registration demands for perceived foreign agents could paralyze entities like the Kabaka Foundation. Overall, the kingdom fears the bill might repel investors, pushing capital to neighboring countries.
The bill, gazetted on April 13, 2026, and tabled in Parliament on April 15, targets foreign influence through registrations, prohibitions, approvals, disclosures, and enforcement by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Penalties reach 20 years imprisonment and Shs4 billion fines.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)