The Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has proposed sweeping amendments to the contentious Protection of Sovereignty Bill, signaling a government retreat from some of its most disputed provisions.
The original Bill, tabled before Parliament, has faced widespread opposition from the banking sector, legal fraternity, religious leaders, and civil society organizations. Critics have particularly raised concerns about vague definitions within the draft law and the broad powers it grants to the Minister of Internal Affairs.
Opponents argue that, in its current form, the Bill could stifle civil society, restrict freedom of expression, and deter foreign investment and remittances into Uganda.
Adding to the debate, President Yoweri Museveni weighed in on Thursday through a three-page letter, expressing dissatisfaction with the version under consideration. The Bill is currently being reviewed jointly by the Committee of Defence and Internal Affairs and the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.
In a pointed remark, Museveni questioned the authenticity of the draft, saying, “Which Sovereignty Bill is this about? The one I initiated in Cabinet or another? That is not the Bill I initiated.”
The President revealed that he had engaged the Government Chief Whip, Hamson Obua, along with the chairpersons of the relevant committees, urging them to refocus the legislation strictly on safeguarding national sovereignty in policymaking.
He cautioned against expanding the Bill into areas unrelated to its core intent, such as private enterprise transactions and church donations, saying it should not “meander” into those domains.
By Francis Lubega
1st May 2026
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