By KT Reporter
Civil society actors in Teso have embarked on a grassroots mobilisation campaign about the Protection of Sovereignty Bill 2026.
They argue that it poses significant risks to citizens’ rights, democratic governance, and regional integration.
The campaign was spearheaded by Benson Ekwee Ocen, the Executive Director of the Public Affairs Center of Uganda (PAC).
The Public Affairs Center of Uganda was among the organisations that asked parliament to reject the Bill.
Speaking during a stakeholder meeting in Soroti, Mr Ekwee said the grassroots campaign seeks to ensure that citizens understand the contents of the Bill and its implications.
“We have started moving down to the grassroots so that a law is made for the people and by the people through their MPs, any law government proposes and Parliament examines should be in the best interest of the people,” he said.
The mobilisation has brought together a wide cross-section of society, including produce dealers, boda boda riders, cobblers, tailors, construction workers, and religious leaders, among others.
Ekwee explained that the consultations were intended to explain the strengths and weaknesses in the Bill.
At the centre of the opposition is the argument that the proposed law attempts to legislate sovereignty, traditionally a constitutional principle, through an ordinary Act of Parliament.
“Sovereignty is a constitutional matter; the Constitution is the only law that can comprehensively protect it. Attempting to legislate it through a single Act risks oversimplifying a fundamentally complex principle,” Ekwee said.
Stakeholders further warned that the Bill concentrates excessive enforcement powers in the executive, particularly within ministerial offices, raising fears of abuse and arbitrary decision-making.
“There is a danger in placing excessive authority in a single office without clear safeguards; the law could be used to control and weaponise civic engagement,” Mr Ekwee added.
He explained sovereignty as encompassing territorial integrity, citizenship, self-determination, and the rule of law. He argued that the Bill threatens rather than protects these elements.
One of the most controversial aspects is the broad definition of a foreign agent.
According to the Bill, individuals or entities deemed to be acting on behalf of foreign interests must register with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and obtain certification.
Those classified as foreign agents would be barred from participating in government affairs or undertaking activities reserved for the state, such as constructing schools or delivering certain social services.
Violations could attract penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of UGX2 billion.
Critics argue that the definition is overly expansive and could include ordinary Ugandans working with foreign-linked institutions such as banks or telecommunications companies as well as citizens living abroad.
“This could even affect a boda boda rider carrying a tourist or a Ugandan working with international organisations; it is excessive and unreasonable,” Ekwee said.
Clause 13 of the Bill, which addresses economic sabotage, has also drawn concern for its potential to criminalise legitimate economic and civic activities.
Participants at the meeting expressed strong reservations about the Bill, particularly its potential impact on vulnerable groups.
Ecungo Aloysius, chairperson for persons with disabilities in Soroti City, said the proposed law does not favour ordinary citizens.
“This Bill needs to be scrutinised before it is passed. People with disabilities are already marginalised, and this will worsen our situation,” he said, adding that their group is ready to sign a petition rejecting it.
Eyou Paul, a boda boda rider questioned whether Uganda has the capacity to meet all citizens’ needs without external engagement.
“We take our children abroad for education. Do we have enough resources locally? We must consult widely before passing such a law,” he said.
Francis Tumuhimbize, a councillor representing persons with disabilities, warned that the Bill could hinder development partnerships.
“Leaders often lobby for programmes supported by external partners. If we restrict such collaboration, who will support these initiatives?” he asked.
The stakeholders further criticised the timing of the Bill, with some suggesting it should not be introduced during a transitional political period.
While acknowledging that the concerns underpinning the Bill, such as protecting national sovereignty, are legitimate, the Teso delegation insists that the current approach is flawed.
Ekwee proposed a more targeted legal framework to address specific threats, drawing comparisons with laws such as the United States’ Foreign Agents Registration Act rather than adopting a broad and sweeping statute.
He also called for greater consultation between the government, civil society, and development partners to ensure any legislation reflects Uganda’s democratic values.
“There is no way we can support a law that diminishes the power of citizens, undermines accountability, and threatens dignity,” he said.
The mobilisation campaign is expected to continue across the Teso region, with leaders aiming to gather widespread public input and signatures to reinforce their memorandum before Parliament considers the Bill further.
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