CSOs Sue Uganda at EACJ Over 'Sovereignty Act' Implementation

A coalition of four civil society organizations (CSOs) from across East Africa has taken legal action against Uganda, petitioning the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) to halt the implementation of the Protection of Sovereignty Act, 2026. The CSOs, including Uganda’s Centre for Environmental Research and Agriculture Innovations (CERAI) and Youth for Green Communities, Kenya’s Natural Justice, and Tanzania’s Organization for Community Engagement, argue that the new law contravenes fundamental provisions of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.

In their petition, lodged on July 21, the organizations highlighted concerns that the Act, which regulates “agents of foreigners” and imposes restrictions on their operations, is incompatible with the EAC Treaty. They are seeking a court order to compel the Ugandan government to align the Act with the treaty and to cease enforcing specific sections they believe violate regional cooperation principles.

The Protection of Sovereignty Act, which has faced opposition from various quarters, defines and restricts the activities of entities deemed “agents of foreigners,” including requirements for registration and regulations on funding. While the Ugandan government asserts the law is designed to protect national interests, the CSOs contend that its definitions are vague and its regulatory demands are excessively burdensome.

Specifically, the petitioners cite violations of Articles 5(3)(g), 6(d), 7(2), 8(1)(a) and (c), and 127 of the EAC Treaty. These articles emphasize principles of good governance, accountability, transparency, the rule of law, social justice, popular participation, and fostering an enabling environment for civil society engagement within the region.

Representatives from the CSOs expressed worries that the Act could impede vital cross-border collaborations on environmental conservation, climate change response, and sustainable development initiatives essential for the East African region. They believe the law threatens the progress of climate justice work and hinders the participation of East African communities in the energy transition.

The CSOs are also calling for the EAC Secretary General to investigate Uganda’s compliance with the EAC Treaty regarding this Act and to monitor adherence to any court directives. The case underscores growing concerns about the impact of national legislation on regional integration and civil society operations within the East African Community.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)