Politics 5 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Stakeholders Voice Strong Opposition to Uganda's Sovereignty Bill
Key figures from religious groups, the Bank of Uganda, Buganda Kingdom, World Bank, legal bodies, civil society, and opposition parties have criticized the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, for risking economic stability, violating the constitution, and curbing democratic rights. Concerns focus on vague definitions, excessive executive power, and threats to investment and civic space. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/what-key-stakeholders-said-on-sovereignty-bill-5447264
Stakeholders Voice Strong Opposition to Uganda’s Sovereignty Bill
Key stakeholders have sharply criticized the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, highlighting risks to Uganda’s economy, constitution, and democratic freedoms.
Bank of Uganda’s Economic Warning
Bank of Uganda Governor Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego warned that the bill could disrupt vital foreign inflows, threatening the country’s USD 6 billion reserves and balance of payments surplus of USD 1.5 billion last year. He described such interference as an “economic disaster.”
Buganda Kingdom on Investment Risks
The Buganda Kingdom argued the legislation would deter investors, trigger capital flight, and harm Uganda’s global rating compared to lighter regulations in East African neighbors, ultimately dooming the economy rather than protecting sovereignty.
World Bank Highlights Restrictions
The World Bank noted that labeling international organizations as ‘foreigners’ exposes them to harsh registration, reporting, and penalty requirements without exception.
Uganda Law Society Calls It ‘Anti-Sovereignty’
The Uganda Law Society rebranded the bill as the “Anti-Sovereignty Bill,” claiming it erodes people’s sovereignty under Article 1 of the Constitution, grants unchecked power to the Minister of Internal Affairs, criminalizes criticism as ‘economic sabotage,’ and bypasses mandatory referendums per Article 260(2)(b).
Civil Society Demands Withdrawal
Civil society groups labeled the bill unconstitutional and disproportionate, urging its full withdrawal as it duplicates existing laws, threatens vulnerable populations, and damages Uganda’s international reputation.
NUP Slams Executive Overreach
The National Unity Platform (NUP) said the bill undermines sovereignty by dismantling civic rights, concentrating power in the Internal Affairs Minister, imposing draconian penalties, and using absurdly broad ‘foreigner’ definitions.
Inter Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) Seeks Revisions
IRCU, alongside faith-based legal partners, rejected the bill for potential constitutional breaches, civic space shrinkage, and conflicts with financial rules, calling for clearer definitions of terms like ‘foreign agent’ and ‘interests of a foreigner.’
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)