KAMPALA — The Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, has been formally introduced in Parliament, with legislators calling for thorough scrutiny of the proposed law due to its potential implications on national governance and citizens’ rights.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen David Muhoozi, moved the motion for the Bill’s First Reading during a plenary sitting chaired by Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Anita Annet Among.
Invoking Article 91 of the Constitution and Rule 134(1) of the Rules of Procedure, the Speaker directed that the Bill be formally read for the first time and committed to parliamentary committees for detailed consideration.
“The Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, is hereby read for the first time and referred to the relevant committees for processing,” the Speaker ruled.
Committees tasked with scrutiny
The Speaker referred the Bill to the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs and the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for scrutiny, with the Defence Committee assigned to take the lead.
“The Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs will take the lead in processing the Bill and report back to the House,” she directed, in line with Rule 135(1) of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure.
MP raises procedural concerns
However, the process drew concern from Hon Theodore Ssekikubo (Lwemiyaga County), who raised a procedural objection, warning against rushing the legislation.
“Members should receive copies of the Bill and process it in the normal way, given its implications for Ugandans,” Ssekikubo said. “We must not appear to be treating this Bill differently or rushing it through Parliament.”
He emphasised the need for adherence to parliamentary procedures and transparency. “The House must follow its rules and uphold its record by ensuring the proper documents are laid before Members,” he added.
The Protection of Sovereignty Bill now proceeds to the committee stage, where lawmakers are expected to examine its provisions, consult stakeholders, and present findings before it returns to the House for debate.