In various parts of the country, several sections of Ugandans – community leaders, journalists, and civil society organizations – are uniting with a shared goal: to preserve the space for open discussion, accountability, and human rights that strengthens the nation.
The proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill 2026 has raised a widespread alarm. Many fear it could impose harsh restrictions on Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), independent journalists, and human rights advocates by limiting foreign funding, enforcing broad registration requirements for anyone connected to international support, and introducing vague offenses such as “economic sabotage”, that could criminalize reporting or advocacy.
Critics argue this would hinder watchdog groups from holding those in power accountable, or stifle the monitoring of elections as well stopping whistleblowers from exposing corruption. The proposed Bill could also stop citizens from defending civil and political rights—thereby reducing their ability to influence their country’s future.
However, there is encouraging news: the response has been strong and hopeful. Women leaders, religious groups, opposition members, media personalities, and ordinary Ugandans have voiced their concerns loudly through public forums, statements, and calls for parliamentary reconsideration.
For example, Civil society is demanding that the Bill be withdrawn or significantly amended, warning it threatens constitutional rights to free expression, association, and participation.
Many are actively submitting feedback during the public consultation period (open until about April 24, 2026), urging Lawmakers to find a balance between national interests and the freedoms that drive development, service delivery, and accountability.
This situation demonstrates the resilience of Ugandan democracy in practice. When laws threaten civic space, people refuse to remain silent. Journalists continue their reporting, human rights defenders keep documenting abuses, and communities peacefully mobilize to influence policy—as envisioned by the Constitution.
The recent suspension of the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-U) and other journalists’ support non government organizations limited the ability to advocate for press freedom.
John Mugabi Socrates of the Action Liberty For Economic Development (ALED) argues that ‘Rather than weakening those who hold accountability to the government, the public outcry underscores the importance of independent voices for a more transparent and healthier Uganda’.
Many hope the final decision will safeguard sovereignty without silencing the groups that provide healthcare, education, anti-corruption efforts, and public oversight.
Counsel Ronald Katushabe of the Social Justice Center Uganda states that as the discussions go on, one thing is certain: Ugandans cherish their right to hold leaders accountable and collaborate-both locally and internationally, for a better future.
This collective resistance is a reminder that civic engagement remains vibrant and capable of shaping laws in the public interest.
