Politics 4 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Government to Push Sovereignty Bill in Parliament Despite President's Rejection and MP Clashes
Uganda's government plans to table the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, for second and third readings on Tuesday, brushing off calls for withdrawal following President Museveni's public disavowal and heated committee disputes. Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka insists the move is lawful and addresses concerns over foreign influence in political activities. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/why-govt-will-table-sovereignty-bill-despite-withdrawal-calls-5447210
The Ugandan government remains determined to advance the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, in Parliament this Tuesday afternoon, despite strong opposition and President Museveni’s recent rejection of its original form.
Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka emphasized in an interview that presenting the bill is a standard procedure, with no legal barriers. He assured that potential issues post-passage have been reviewed, stating there is ‘nothing to worry about.’
President Museveni distanced himself from the initial draft, criticizing it for potentially blocking foreign direct investments, remittances, and support for religious groups. He directed the Government Chief Whip and committee chairs to redraft it, focusing on protecting policy sovereignty from foreign interference, rooted in Africa’s anti-colonial history.
Tensions boiled over during a Sunday joint committee meeting in Munyonyo, where opposition MPs like Jonathan Odur and David Livingstone Zijjan clashed with chairs Wilson Kajwengye and Stephen Baka Mugabi. Frustrated by refusals to discuss clauses or disclose presidential talks, a physical altercation ensued, subdued by security.
The committee adopted the report without debate, incorporating amendments such as excluding Ugandans abroad from ‘foreigner’ status, narrowing ‘agents’ to those funding political activities for foreign interests, and exempting commercial, medical, educational, and faith-based funding. Violations carry steep penalties: Shs4 billion fines for entities or Shs2 billion fines/20 years imprisonment for individuals.
A motion to adopt passed 24-11, with a minority report also due in Parliament. The bill aims to license and regulate foreign agents to safeguard national sovereignty.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)