Teso Leaders Submit Memorandum to Parliament Rejecting Sovereignty Protection Bill, 2026
By Grace Amoding
Leaders and stakeholders from the Teso Sub-region will today 24th April submit a memorandum to Parliament’s Joint Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, expressing their position on the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026.
The submission, coordinated through the Public Affairs Center of Uganda (PAC Uganda) in collaboration with partner organizations, represents a wide range of voices from the region, including farmers, traders, civil society actors, cultural and religious leaders, and members of the diaspora.
The memorandum, which is being formally presented to the Clerk to Parliament, reflects the outcome of a critical review of the proposed legislation and outlines several concerns regarding its implications for governance, rights, and development.
According to the Teso stakeholders, while the objective of safeguarding national sovereignty is important, the proposed Bill is viewed as a legislative overreach. They argue that sovereignty is already firmly anchored in the Constitution of Uganda, which vests power in the people, making additional legislation unnecessary and potentially redundant.
The group further raises concern that the Bill concentrates excessive authority in the executive, particularly the Minister responsible, with limited parliamentary oversight. They warn that this could weaken accountability and undermine democratic governance structures.
The memorandum also highlights potential risks to fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression, association, assembly, and privacy.
Stakeholders express concern that the Bill may disproportionately target Ugandan citizens and institutions under broad classifications such as “foreign agents,” rather than focusing on regulating foreign entities. They argue that this approach could distort accountability and infringe on constitutionally protected rights.
The Teso delegation further warns that the Bill could negatively impact Uganda’s investment climate by discouraging foreign investment, disrupting civil society operations, and complicating legitimate financial and development partnerships.
They also caution that it could stifle innovation and limit the ability of organizations to mobilize resources for development initiatives.
The memorandum also raises concern that some provisions may inadvertently affect Ugandans in the diaspora by redefining citizenship categories in a way that could create legal uncertainty and weaken their role in national development.
It also notes possible inconsistencies with regional commitments, particularly within the East African Community, and international democratic governance standards.
In its conclusion, the Teso Sub-region describes the Bill as fundamentally flawed in its current form and recommends that Parliament rejects it.
Instead, the stakeholders call for a more inclusive, consultative, and evidence-based legislative process. They further recommend that any revised version of the law should focus on regulating foreign actors, uphold constitutional freedoms, and support Uganda’s economic development and global engagement.
The memorandum reaffirms Teso’s commitment to defending Uganda’s sovereignty through constitutionalism, democratic governance, and active civic participation.
