Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has assured diplomats that the government will allow adequate consultations on the Protection of Sovereignty Bill 2026, which is stirring debate across the political divide.
The bill proposes sweeping restrictions on foreign influence over domestic policy, governance and public affairs. While the stated aim, protecting national sovereignty from undue foreign interference, is a legitimate objective shared by many jurisdictions, the Bill goes far beyond comparable legislation in other countries. Its reach extends well beyond political lobbying and into the heart of ordinary commercial activity, foreign investment, development finance and the exercise of fundamental rights.
Tayebwa made the assurance while officiating as the chief guest at a dinner marking King’s Day at the Netherlands Embassy in Kampala.
“I have received calls from many diplomats, and we have engaged with many of them regarding the law that is in Parliament, that is the Protection of Sovereignty Bill 2026. I saw there was some panic within the public that we were going to sort it the next day because it was on the order paper,” he said.
He added: “I just want to reassure you that the process of consultations is still ongoing, and we are going to allow adequate consultations so that we can pick views of the public and do what we are supposed to do as a Parliament.”
The event was attended by dignitaries including Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Nobert Mao, Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Minister Eng. Hillary Onek, Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo, and U.S. Ambassador William Popp, among others.
“The reason you saw it on the order paper is we are capturing all the business we are going to work on in this session. So before we prorogue the House, we will have sorted out that bill. And I do believe the question shouldn’t be whether we need the bill, but the content of the law. That’s where the focus is,” Tayebwa said.
Tayebwa rallied those who have issues with the bill to share with Parliament, which will ensure thorough scrutiny.
“We will engage with the executive, and we ensure that we make a law that fits in our society, not our society fitting in the law,” Tayebwa said.
The opposition and some civil society actors have opposed the proposed legislation, citing that it is brought in bad faith to not only target them but also threaten the citizenship of Ugandans living in the diaspora.
Tayebwa and the outgoing ambassador of the Netherlands to Uganda, Frederieke Quispel, toasted to the good health of King Willem-Alexander and the warmer relations between Kampala and The Hague.
“Uganda is proud to join you in commemorating this special event. The relationship between Uganda and the Kingdom of the Netherlands continues to grow from strength to strength, grounded in mutual respect, shared interests and a progressive partnership,” Tayebwa said.
According to Tayebwa, Kampala and The Hague have made significant strides in deepening bilateral cooperation, including high-level engagements such as meetings on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly and official visits between their respective leaders.
“Our partnership has evolved into a modern, pragmatic trade, not an aid model, reflecting our shared ambition for sustainable economic transformation. The Kingdom of the Netherlands’ ongoing support for the private sector, involvement in agriculture and food security in Uganda, highlights the strong confidence your government places in our country as a strategic partner and regional hub,” Tayebwa said.
He commended the Netherlands for its continued support in advancing agriculture modernization, including initiatives in dairy production, improved seeds and the emerging blue economy through aquaculture partnerships.
“These efforts are not only enhancing Uganda’s export readiness but are also empowering our farmers and small and medium enterprises to integrate into global value chains. Our cooperation with the Kingdom of the Netherlands extends beyond trade into critical areas such as climate resilience, governance and justice, strengthening Uganda’s institutional capacity and service delivery,” Tayebwa said.
Ambassador Quispel commended the hospitality of the Ugandan people during her tour of duty in Kampala.
“It’s my great pleasure to welcome you as we celebrate King’s Day 2026. Tonight we celebrate the 59th birthday of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander. That’s actually happening Monday, but we just thought Monday is not the best evening for a party, so we decided to move it,” Quispel said.
She added: “I’m returning to The Hague this summer, and so I’m taking a few minutes to speak from the heart. Upon arriving in Uganda only two years ago, I was struck by the warmth and the openness with which I was welcomed, the ease of conversations with strangers that very quickly became friends, and the generosity of spirit that defined so many of my encounters.”
“So my thanks to my absolutely amazing team at the Netherlands Embassy. They made my time here fantastic. Luckily we have a couple more months, but I do want to mention it, also to my predecessors. They laid a firm foundation on which I was allowed to stand and try to build. And it’s precisely because of that foundation — human, institutional and economic — that I can say with confidence that we are building on strength,” Quispel added.
She disclosed that because of the warmer bilateral relations between The Hague and Kampala, the Netherlands is Uganda’s largest source of foreign direct investment.
“Dutch companies across agriculture, tourism, energy and finance are proving that doing business here works. The Dutch investment bank has invested over $200 million (743 billion shillings) across these sectors. In agriculture, we support over 600,000 farming families with over $30 million (111.4 billion shillings) annually,” Quispel said.
In the health sector, she said they spend $20 million (74.3 billion shillings) a year with a strong focus on women and girls.
