Uganda's Parliament Passes Protection of Sovereignty Bill 2026 Amid Opposition Protests

Uganda’s Parliament passed the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, despite strong objections from opposition MPs. The joint committee on Defence and Veteran Affairs, and Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, submitted their reports, paving the way for the vote. The bill now heads to President Museveni for assent.

Sovereignty refers to a nation’s right to self-governance, supreme authority, and independent law-making over its territory. Uganda gained sovereignty on October 9, 1962, upon independence, establishing its own government, constitution, military, and legal systems, recognized internationally.

The 1995 Constitution serves as the supreme law protecting Uganda’s sovereignty. Supporting laws include the NGO Act 2016 for regulating civil society, the Data Protection and Privacy Act 2019 for national data security, and the Public Finance Management Act 2015.

Introduced on April 16 by the State Minister of Internal Affairs, the bill aims to curb foreign influence in political activities. Revisions shifted focus to foreign-funded politics after initial backlash.

Key provisions define a ‘foreign agent’ as anyone handling funds or resources for foreigners to support political efforts. Clause 6 bans such agents from government roles like education or health without Cabinet approval. Clause 22 limits foreign support to 20,000 currency points (around Shs400 million) annually, requiring ministerial nod for excess. Exemptions apply to Ugandans abroad and select funding types.

Opposition from NUP claims it grants excessive power to the Internal Affairs Minister and stifles democratic participation.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)