The Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi and several activists have warned against the passing into law of the Sovereignty Bill.
They argue that such a move would isolate them from the international community and lead to a decline in investment and innovation due to the stringent proposals.
This was during the unveiling of the 2026/27 Alternative Budget Priorities at Parliament.
Ssenyonyi noted that the Opposition is not against the protection of Uganda’s sovereignty, but, on the contrary, believes that true sovereignty is strengthened when citizens are empowered, when institutions are independent, and when government is accountable to the people.
The Leader of Opposition noted that the impending sovereignty bill has far-reaching implications for governance, rights, and Uganda’s place in the global community.
Critics say the proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill 2026, modelled after Russia’s foreign agent laws, could severely restrict civil society, media, and individual freedoms in Uganda by targeting foreign funding and influence. They warn it will stigmatise dissenters and shrink civic engagement.
The executive director of CSBAG, Julius Mukunda, warned that the proposed legislation comes with heavy penalties, including fines to the tune of UGX4Bn and a jail term of 20 years in prison, warning that these will be further compounded by a decline in Foreign Direct Investments into Uganda that have managed to stabilise the shilling against the dollar.
Human Rights Activist, Maria Matembe, asked all Ugandans to rise up and protest against the Sovereignty Bill, warning that the proposed Bill, if passed into law, will cause chaos and misery and called on Ugandans to demonstrate against the legislation.
