KAMPALA — Parliament of Uganda is set to hold the first reading of the proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, as lawmakers resume plenary sittings this afternoon, placing a contentious piece of legislation at the centre of national debate.
The bill, which has already sparked discussion in political and civic circles, seeks to prohibit foreign-funded activities deemed to threaten Uganda’s sovereignty. It proposes stringent penalties, including fines of up to UGX 4 billion for companies, and up to UGX 2 billion or a prison sentence of up to 20 years for individuals found in violation.
One of the most debated provisions in the draft law is its expanded definition of “foreigners,” which now includes Ugandan nationals living in the diaspora. Critics argue that this clause could significantly affect cross-border engagement and remittance-linked initiatives, while supporters say it is necessary to safeguard national interests.
The legislative agenda for the day also includes the presentation and processing of the National Budget for the Financial Year 2026/27, alongside related tax bills, marking the start of a critical period in Uganda’s fiscal planning cycle.
According to official communication from Parliament, the session is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m., with proceedings to be broadcast live across its official platforms.
The Protection of Sovereignty Bill is expected to undergo further scrutiny and debate in subsequent stages, as stakeholders across government, civil society, and the private sector weigh its potential implications.
