Stakeholders from Greater Kabale District have opposed the proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, arguing that it risks undermining human rights rather than safeguarding national interests.
The draft law introduces sweeping controls over foreign funding and political activity. It proposes criminal penalties for individuals or entities 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 organizations, and prison sentences of up to 20 years for individuals. It 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.
The concerns were raised during a consultative meeting held on Saturday at Heras Country Resort in Kabale Town. Participants argued that Uganda already has a comprehensive legal framework governing financial flows and non-state actors, including the Anti-Money Laundering Act and the Non-Governmental Organisations Act.
Justus Muhangi of Muhangi and Partners Advocates described the proposed law as deeply flawed, warning that it contradicts several constitutional provisions and could lead to violations of fundamental rights if enacted. He added that, in an increasingly interconnected world, such legislation could strain Uganda’s international relations.
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Obed Habasa, the Uganda People’s Congress-UPC Chairperson for Rubanda District, said the bill has been introduced at a time when many Ugandans are calling for political change. He argued that it is intended to suppress dissent and target those advocating for reform, and urged legislators to reject it.
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Gideon Tumwesigye, Speaker for the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) Western Province, claimed the bill could be used to suppress opposition parties and silence critics of the government. He warned that, if passed, it may be used to harass citizens who challenge the status quo.
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Bony Tumuranzye of the Alliance for National Transformation called on Ugandans to unite in opposing what he described as discriminatory legislation. He argued that the bill unfairly targets specific groups perceived to be critical of the government.
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Albert Taremwa, Executive Director of the Local Sustainable Communities Organization-LOSCO, cautioned that the bill could disrupt billions of shillings in external financing.
He noted that Uganda receives an estimated Shs22–25 trillion annually in external grants and funding, and warned that restrictions could disproportionately affect ordinary citizens, including families that rely on remittances.
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Robert Byamugisha Kakuru, Executive Director of Kick Corruption Out of Uganda, said the bill appears to be introduced in bad faith, with the potential to limit the work of civil society organizations, particularly those advocating for accountability and good governance. He warned that anti-corruption efforts could also be significantly affected.
