Politics 4 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda's Sovereignty Bill Sparks Outrage Over Threats to Opposition Funding and Free Speech
Parliament debates the revised Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, which critics say targets opposition parties by restricting foreign funding and penalizing criticism, despite President Museveni's push to refocus it on policy sovereignty. Political leaders and MPs demand its full withdrawal amid fears it will stifle dissent and harm the economy. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-sovereignty-bill-will-affect-political-parties-5447216
Uganda’s Parliament is gearing up to debate the controversial Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, following significant revisions. The updated version imposes strict licensing on individuals or groups receiving foreign funds for political activities exceeding Shs400 million annually, requiring ministerial approval renewable every two years.
President Museveni distanced himself from the original draft, stating it was meant to safeguard independent policy decisions in areas like legislation, women, army, socio-cultural, economic, and diplomatic matters. He instructed NRM caucus chair Hamson Obua and committee leaders to strip out clauses restricting private enterprises, remittances, and church donations.
Opposition figures fiercely oppose the changes. Democratic Front president Mathias Mpuuga called it a ploy to entrench NRM rule, while UPC secretary general Fred Ebil and FDC’s Patrick Oboi Amuriat argued it starves parties of vital foreign support and invites ministerial censorship.
New penalties include Shs1 billion fines or 20 years in jail for influencing governance decisions on behalf of foreigners, and up to Shs4 billion or 20 years for spreading false information or disrupting the economy. Critics like Busiro East MP Medard Lubega Ssegona, authoring a Minority Report with 11 MPs, say existing laws already cover these issues and decry ministerial overreach on funding.
Exemptions now protect diaspora remittances, lawful investments, humanitarian aid, and funds for health, education, research, and faith-based missions. However, political actors and civil society demand the Bill’s total withdrawal, warning of damage to civic space and economic growth goals.
A joint parliamentary committee split, with 24 MPs backing a Majority Report and 11 opposing. Tensions boiled over into physical clashes during deliberations.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)