Dissent From The Decisions Of The Majority On The Protection Of Sovereignty Bill, 2026

The document is a dissenting report by Kiwanuka Abdallah opposing the majority decision of Parliament’s joint committees on the proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026. It argues that the Bill was rushed through without adequate public consultation, violating constitutional principles that place sovereignty in the hands of the people. The minority contends that the process ignored key legal requirements such as stakeholder engagement and a Regulatory Impact Assessment, thereby denying citizens their right to participate in governance. Additionally, the report claims the Bill fundamentally misinterprets sovereignty by shifting power from citizens to the State, which contradicts Article 1 of the Constitution.

The dissent further criticizes the Bill as unconstitutional, unnecessary, and economically risky. It highlights that existing laws already regulate issues the Bill seeks to address, making it redundant and poorly conceived. The report also warns that the Bill’s broad definitions and strict provisions could criminalize ordinary activities, restrict foreign funding, disrupt financial systems, and harm Uganda’s economy—especially through impacts on remittances, investment, and banking operations. Ultimately, the minority recommends that the Bill be withdrawn or rejected entirely, citing its legal flaws, excessive amendments, lack of stakeholder support, and even disapproval from the President and most consulted stakeholders.

READ MORE: Dissent from the Decision of the Majority of the Joint Committee on Legal &Parliamentary Affairs and the Committee on Defense