The National Resistance Movement parliamentary caucus has endorsed the government’s harmonised position on the controversial Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, setting the stage for a decisive debate and possible passage in Parliament later today.
The endorsement followed an emergency caucus meeting held Tuesday morning at the Office of the President, convened by Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua to align party members ahead of the afternoon plenary session.
In a formal resolution issued after the meeting, Obua said the caucus had unanimously agreed to back the revised proposals presented by government.
“We, the Members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus, meeting at the Office of the President Conference Hall on Tuesday, May 5, 2026; recognising the imperative obligation of safeguarding Uganda’s sovereignty, national security, constitutional order, and socio-economic stability in an increasingly complex global and domestic environment,” Obua stated.
The caucus, he added, was guided by the government’s harmonised position as presented by the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Attorney General, as well as strategic guidance from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
“Acting in the spirit of consensus, cohesion, and collective responsibility; hereby resolve: to support the harmonised position of Government regarding the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026 in Parliament,” he said.
The development comes hours before Parliament of Uganda convenes at 2pm for the bill’s second and third readings, following the recall of legislators from recess specifically to consider the legislation.
The bill has sparked public debate in recent weeks, with critics warning that earlier proposals could stifle private sector activity, remittances and civic space under the guise of protecting national sovereignty.
However, the government has since introduced sweeping amendments after consultations and guidance from Museveni, who clarified that the law should safeguard Uganda’s policy independence without undermining legitimate private investment and financial inflows.
The revised position is expected to dominate debate in the House, with the NRM’s numerical strength likely to play a decisive role in determining the bill’s fate.
Opposition lawmakers have indicated they will push for further scrutiny, arguing that key provisions still require clarification to avoid potential abuse.
With the ruling party now formally aligned, attention shifts to Parliament, where the outcome of today’s sitting could shape Uganda’s legal and political landscape on sovereignty and foreign influence.
