By Jumah Kakomo
The opposition Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has raised concerns following Parliament’s passage of the Sovereignty Protection Bill, 2026 on May 5, warning that the proposed law could have unintended consequences for governance, the economy, and Uganda’s international relations.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, UPC Head of Media and Communications Faizo Muzeyi said the party remains committed to defending Uganda’s independence, constitutional order, and national sovereignty. However, he cautioned that the Bill, in its current form, risks undermining the very principles it seeks to protect.
Muzeyi revealed that the party has formally called on President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to exercise his constitutional mandate under Article 91(3)(b) by withholding assent to the Bill. The UPC is urging the President to return the legislation to Parliament for further scrutiny, broader consultation, and reconsideration.
Concerns Over Scope and Impact
Muzeyi acknowledged Uganda’s legitimate right to guard against unlawful external interference but argued that the Bill contains broad and ambiguous provisions that could lead to unintended consequences.
He warned that such provisions may criminalize legitimate international engagement, discourage foreign investment, restrict academic and civil exchanges, and create uncertainty in the legal and financial environment.
He emphasized that safeguarding sovereignty goes beyond restrictive legislation, highlighting the need for strong institutions, economic resilience, constitutional legitimacy, public trust, and improved citizen welfare.
Muzeyi added that these concerns come at a time when many Ugandans are grappling with economic challenges, including rising living costs, high borrowing rates, and unemployment. He cautioned that policies perceived as restrictive could weaken investor confidence and limit economic opportunities.
Constitutional and Democratic Implications
The UPC also questioned the Bill’s compatibility with constitutional principles. Muzeyi noted that several provisions may conflict with rights such as freedom of association, freedom of expression, legal certainty, and proportionality, as well as Uganda’s obligations under international treaties.
He stressed that laws concerning national sovereignty and security must be clearly defined and consistently applied to prevent misuse, selective enforcement, and potential societal tension.
Call for Broader Consultation
Muzeyi pointed to previous instances where the President returned legislation to Parliament for review—including the Anti-Homosexuality Act (2023), the Minimum Wages Bill (2019), and the NSSF Amendment Bill (2021)—arguing that a similar approach is necessary in this case.
The UPC is calling for a broader national dialogue involving Parliament, political parties, civil society, legal experts, religious leaders, and the business community.
The party maintains that such engagement would help ensure any sovereignty-related law is constitutionally sound, protects democratic freedoms, and supports Uganda’s long-term economic and diplomatic stability.
“Uganda must not confuse isolation with independence, nor legislation with strength. Durable sovereignty is built on unity, constitutional legitimacy, economic confidence, and strong institutions,” Muzeyi said.
He reaffirmed the UPC’s commitment to promoting a sovereign, democratic, inclusive, and prosperous Uganda.
