Uganda’s political landscape has been stirred following the emergence of a verified list of Members of Parliament who signed the controversial Protection of Sovereignty Bill 2026 after a tense retreat at Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo. The development has intensified public debate, with many questioning both the process and the implications of the bill.
The Protection of Sovereignty Bill 2026 was first read in Parliament in mid-April under Rule 135 (1) of the Rules of Procedure. From the beginning, it drew strong reactions from different sections of society due to its wide-ranging proposals.
According to its drafters, the bill is intended to safeguard Uganda’s sovereignty by regulating foreign influence and ensuring tighter control over agents working on behalf of foreign entities.
It also seeks to assign the department responsible for peace and security the mandate to register and regulate such agents, as well as monitor funding and support they receive.
Supporters argue that the law is necessary to protect national interests, while critics warn that it could limit civil liberties and restrict the operations of civil society organizations.
After its first reading, the bill was referred to a joint committee comprising the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs and the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for scrutiny and reporting.
The committee consulted several stakeholders, including the Bank of Uganda, Buganda Kingdom, and civil society groups. Most of these stakeholders reportedly opposed key provisions of the bill.
Despite the concerns raised, the joint committee proceeded to refine the bill, incorporating recommendations from the Attorney General and making several amendments.
In its report, the committee stated that the concerns had been addressed and that the bill had been improved to ensure clarity and transparency.
The joint committee was led by Nyabushozi County MP Wilson Kajwengye and Bukooli County North MP Stephen Baka Mugabi, alongside their deputies and other members.
However, divisions remained within the committee, with a number of MPs reportedly declining to append their signatures even after amendments were introduced.
The verified list now reveals the lawmakers who clearly appended their signatures to support the advancement of the bill following the heated Munyonyo retreat.
Below are the MPs confirmed to have signed the Protection of Sovereignty Bill 2026 based on visible signatures:
Wilson Kajwengye, Stephen Baka Mugabi, Linos Ngompek, John Teira, Fox Odoi-Oywelowo, Patrick Abdu, Santa Sandra Alum, Ruben Arinaitwe, Pamela Nasiyo Kabujo, Caroline Kamusiime, Sauda Kauma, Alex Brandon Kintu, Abdallah Kiwanuka, Emmanuel Komol, Ibrahim Kyeyune Mululu, Margaret Lamwaka, Donozio Mugabe Kahonda, William Museveni, Sarah Najjuma, Christine Tubo Nakwanga, Jimbricky Norman Ochebro, Bernard Oten Odoi, Peter Okello, Joanne Aniku Okia, Bosco Okiror, Moses Okot, Richard Oriebo Obeku, Yoweri Sserikaali, Theodore Ssekikubo, Barnabas Tinkasimire, Godfrey Wakooli, Peter Christopher Wekhe, and Jane Bainomugisha Kabajungu.
The release of these names has sparked fresh scrutiny, with citizens closely examining how their representatives have positioned themselves on the controversial legislation.
The debate has also been fueled by unverified claims that some MPs may have received financial incentives to support the bill, allegations that have not been officially confirmed.
Critics argue that the bill could be used to tighten control over organizations and limit dissent, while supporters maintain that it is essential for protecting Uganda’s independence from external interference.
Political analysts say the divisions seen within the committee reflect broader disagreements in Parliament and the country at large regarding governance and sovereignty.
The coming days are expected to bring more debate as the bill moves to the next stages of parliamentary consideration.
As Uganda watches closely, the Protection of Sovereignty Bill 2026 remains one of the most closely followed legislative proposals, with its outcome likely to have lasting effects on governance, civil society, and democratic freedoms.
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