The Ndorwa East Member of Parliament, Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba, has opposed the proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, arguing that it contravenes constitutional rights and could negatively impact service delivery in Uganda.
The draft legislation introduces sweeping controls over foreign funding and political activity. It proposes criminal penalties for individuals or organisations that receive foreign support to promote policies not approved by Cabinet, mandatory registration of “agents of foreign entities,” fines of up to Shs4 billion for organisations, and prison sentences of up to 20 years for individuals.
The Bill also grants authorities powers to seize assets linked to unlawful foreign funding and requires financial institutions to submit monthly reports on foreign transactions to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Hon. Niwagaba, who also serves as the Shadow Attorney General, described the proposal as deeply flawed, warning that it conflicts with several constitutional provisions and could lead to violations of fundamental rights if enacted.
He argued that the Bill fails to recognise the role of churches, civil society organisations, and other non-state actors as partners in national development. According to him, the proposed restrictions would threaten governance, human rights, and economic empowerment, noting that funding currently supporting education, water projects, healthcare, and religious institutions could be adversely affected.
He further observed that Uganda already has a comprehensive legal framework regulating financial flows and non-state actors, including the Anti-Money Laundering Act and the Non-Governmental Organisations Act.
Hon. Niwagaba has called on religious leaders, the Inter-Religious Council, and civil society organisations to reject the Bill and push for its withdrawal from Parliament.
CUE IN…..NIWAGABA ON BILL RR……//
