Politics 5 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Opposition Faces Uphill Battle as Uganda's Sovereignty Bill Passes Parliament
Opposition MPs in Uganda raised repeated procedural objections during the tense parliamentary session on May 6, 2026, but were overruled as the Protection of Sovereignty Bill advanced to passage. Led by Joel Ssenyonyi, they struggled with time limits, ignored points, and disruptions amid a packed house dominated by ruling party members. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/silent-struggles-opposition-braved-as-sovereignty-bill-passed-5448578
Uganda’s Parliament passed the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, during a heated evening session on May 6, chaired by Speaker Anita Among. Declared a free sitting, the chamber filled to capacity with ministers and NRM MPs, some even sitting on the opposition side.
Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi tried to halt proceedings, arguing the bill differed from the tabled version and citing a prior ruling against a leaked report. Speaker Among countered that the Sovereignty Bill’s committee report bore her authenticated signature, allowing co-chair Wilson Kajwengye to present the majority endorsement uninterrupted.
Opposition faced tight restrictions when Among allocated just 35 minutes for six minority reports, equivalent to the majority’s time. Shadow Constitutional Affairs Minister Jonathan Odur protested, accusing committee chairs of incompetence and stifling debate. Among ordered his critical language expunged and cut his presentation to five minutes, a limit echoed for others like Wilfred Niwagaba, Gilbert Olanya, Abdallah Kiwanuka, Medard Sseggona, and Betty Nambooze.
Nambooze criticized the process, noting over 700 memoranda received but only 57 reviewed, including one from Buganda Kingdom. Presentations were marred by noise and low microphones, with some NRM MPs noting the opposition was hard to hear amid laughter.
The bill now awaits President Museveni’s assent, whom he has publicly supported.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)