Politics 27 April 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Opposition Slams Sovereignty Protection Bill as Redundant and Unconstitutional
Uganda's Opposition, led by Joel Ssenyonyi, has dismissed the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026 as unnecessary and duplicative of existing laws like the Penal Code Act. They warn it could stifle democracy, harm the economy, and violate constitutional rights with severe penalties. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4415/opposition-calls-sovereignty-protection-bill-redundant-and-unconstitutional
Uganda’s parliamentary Opposition has strongly opposed the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, labeling it redundant and a threat to democratic freedoms.
Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, told a joint committee on April 24, 2026, that the bill overlaps with laws such as the Penal Code Act, Anti-Money Laundering Act, Public Finance Management Act, and NGO Act. He pointed out that offenses like treason and illicit funding are already addressed.
‘The Penal Code Act covers treason, and the Anti-Money Laundering Act requires fund source declarations,’ Ssenyonyi stated, calling the new bill unnecessary.
He highlighted risks from clauses like one limiting foreign funding to Shs400 million without approval, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Another clause, he argued, criminalizes public criticism of government policy, undermining Opposition duties.
UPC General Secretary Francis Ebil echoed these concerns, urging the bill’s withdrawal as unconstitutional. He criticized redefining citizens as foreigners by residence, breaching the 1995 Constitution, and vague terms like ‘economic sabotage’ that could target journalists.
Ebil warned of excessive penalties, including Shs4 billion fines and 20-year sentences, as cruel and inhuman.
While some MPs like Hon. John Teira and Hon. Richard Oriebo defended the bill for targeting subversion and consolidating laws, the Opposition insists on rejection.