Politics 4 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Opposition MPs Release Minority Report Slamming Sovereignty Bill
A Minority Report from the Joint Parliamentary Committee highlights opposition from over 50 institutions to the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, urging Parliament to reject it due to threats to civil liberties and discriminatory provisions. MPs like Gilbert Olanya argue the rushed legislation undermines Ugandans' rights and ignores widespread public concerns. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/highlights-of-minority-report-on-sovereignty-bill-5447258
Opposition members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee have issued a Minority Report outlining strong dissent against the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026. The bill, introduced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, aims to curb foreign funding and influences deemed harmful to Uganda’s sovereignty but has faced backlash for restricting civic space and civil society.
Gilbert Olanya, a committee member, revealed that 51 out of 53 consulted entities, including the Bank of Uganda, opposed the bill. He described it as politically motivated to label Ugandans as foreigners, calling it illegal and discriminatory.
Olanya criticized provisions empowering a minister to strip citizenship based on foreign affiliations or acting on behalf of outsiders. He also noted President Museveni’s letter distancing himself from parts of the bill and lamented the lack of clause-by-clause scrutiny.
Fellow MP Denis Onekalit Amere decried the rushed process, questioning its intent and accusing chairpersons of ignoring public submissions. He stressed that sovereignty belongs to the people, not hasty legislation.
The report, reflecting views from government and non-government bodies, calls on Parliament and Cabinet to pursue laws promoting national progress instead. It will be tabled alongside the main committee report amid ongoing scrutiny.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)