Civil Society Activists under their umbrella Coalition of Ugandan citizens are demanding for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026 from Parliament.
Led by Veteran Politician Miria Matembe they argued that the Bill represents a defining moment for Uganda’s democracy, warning that it threatens constitutional freedoms, economic stability, and the country’s long-standing tradition of participatory governance.
“We cannot accept a law that takes away our rights, criminalizes our livelihoods, and concentrates power away from the people. Parliament must reject it, and the government must withdraw it entirely.”Matembe said.
Matembe warned that the scale of penalties proposed under the Bill ranging from long prison sentences to fines reaching billions of shillings, is disproportionate and inconsistent with international standards.
She argued that such measures could lead to what she described as “aid fatigue,” pushing development partners away and weakening critical sectors such as health, education, and social services
Charles Kazooba, described the Bill as a “dangerous legislative overreach” that introduces sweeping controls without addressing any real legal gaps.
He however reasoned that Uganda already has sufficient legal frameworks, including anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws, to address foreign interference, making the proposed law redundant.
“We stand before you as Ugandans from all walks of life to address what we see as an existential threat to our nation,” Kazoba said while reading the statement. “This Bill does not protect sovereignty; it undermines it by shifting power away from citizens and placing it in the hands of unchecked executive agencies.”Kazooba stated.
Ambassador Edith Grace Ssempala strongly criticized the Bill’s broader implications, particularly its impact on governance, investment, and international cooperation. She noted that the proposed law could isolate Uganda economically and diplomatically.
“This Bill sends a chilling message to the world that Uganda is closing itself off,” Ssempala said.
“By creating excessive controls on investment and partnerships, it risks driving away development partners and investors, undermining the very growth the country depends on.”he added.
The coalition called on government to withdraw the Bill entirely and urged Parliament to reject any legislation that undermines constitutional rights and economic stability.
They also appealed to the media to raise awareness, the private sector to speak out, and the diaspora to mobilize international advocacy.
“This is not just a legal issue; it is about the future of our country,” Matembe said. “
Matembe said Uganda’s proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, is a controversial draft law aimed at regulating foreign influence by imposing strict controls on foreign funding, particularly targeting NGOs, civil society organizations, and individuals. While it is intended to prevent interference in domestic politics and policy making, critics argue that it could be used to suppress dissenting voices.
