By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
NATIONAL
The Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) has asked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to withhold assent to the recently passed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, citing concerns that the law could undermine constitutional freedoms and economic stability.
Muzeyi Faizo, the head of media and communications at UPC says although Uganda has a legitimate right to safeguard its sovereignty, the Bill in its current form risks weakening the very principles it seeks to defend.
“This legislation, in its current form, risks undermining the very objectives it claims to protect,” Faizo said.
He urged the President to return the Bill to Parliament under Article 91(3)(b) of the Constitution for further scrutiny, wider consultation and reconsideration.
On Tuesday, Parliament passed the Bill Sovereignity Bill, with the aim to safeguarding Uganda’s independence from perceived foreign interferences in domestic politics, civil society and the economy. The bill was passed after several amendments, removing contentious provisions which were in the initial bill.
State minister for Internal Affairs David Muhoozi, who moved the motion, defended the legislation, saying Uganda faces growing threats that could undermine its ability to self-govern.
The Chairperson of the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee, Wilson Kajwengye, told Parliament that the Bill was refined after consultations with over 200 stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, academia and the private sector.
He noted that the initial draft was overly broad and risked far-reaching consequences, prompting lawmakers to limit its application strictly to agents of foreign interests involved in influencing political processes and public decision-making.
Key amendments included narrowing the definition of a “foreigner” to exclude Ugandan citizens living abroad, replacing prior approval requirements for foreign funding with a declaration regime, and introducing exemptions for financial institutions, academic bodies and legitimate commercial transactions.
Parliament also reduced penalties under the law from 20 years to a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment and introduced safeguards such as clearer definitions of offences and requirements for proof of intent.
Despite these changes, UPC, warns that some provisions remain broad and ambiguous, potentially criminalising legitimate international engagement and discouraging investment.
The party further cautioned that the law could undermine academic collaboration, civil exchange and investor confidence at a time when Ugandans are grappling with rising living costs, unemployment and economic pressure.
“True sovereignty is built on strong institutions, economic resilience, constitutional legitimacy and public trust, not restrictive legislation that risks isolating the country,” Faizo said.
As passed, Clause 13 of the Bill prohibits economic sabotage, attracting a fine of Shs2 billion for legal entities and Shs1 billion for individuals, or 10 years’ imprisonment.
Economic sabotage is defined as an agent of a foreigner who knowingly publishes false information or participates in any disruptive act that weakens, undermines or damages the economic system.
The Bill now awaits presidential assent to become law. It’s not certain if President Museveni will listen to the public outcries, especially UPC’s voice and trash the bill or send back to Parliament for review.
