Parliament has been recalled from recess and will resume sittings next week to consider the controversial Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, in a move that sets the stage for a heated national debate.
In a notice dated April 29, Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige Kasaija informed legislators that plenary will reconvene on May 5 at 2:00pm.
The recall follows the earlier adjournment sine die of the House on April 24 by Speaker Anita Annet Among.
“During the 10th Sitting… held on 24th April 2026, the Right Honourable Speaker adjourned the House sine die. This is, therefore, to inform you that Parliament will have plenary sitting on Tuesday 5th May, 2026 at 2:00pm,” the notice reads.
Sources within Parliament say the decision to recall legislators is aimed at fast-tracking debate and possible passage of the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, a piece of legislation that has triggered widespread criticism across multiple sectors.
The Bill, currently under scrutiny by a joint parliamentary committee, has been faulted for vague provisions, granting sweeping powers to the Minister of Internal Affairs, and potentially undermining constitutional freedoms.
Critics—including opposition politicians, civil society organisations and the Inter Religious Council of Uganda—argue that the proposed law could restrict freedom of expression, affect funding for faith-based institutions, and impact Ugandans in the diaspora.
During committee hearings prior to recess, several stakeholders called for the Bill’s withdrawal.
Erias Lukwago, President of the Patriotic Front for Freedom, described the Bill as a threat to citizens’ sovereignty.
“The Bill seeks to hijack the sovereignty of the people. Parliament should dustbin this Bill since the majority of stakeholders have loudly rejected it,” Lukwago said.
Religious leaders also raised concerns, with Pastor Joseph Sserwadda warning that the legislation could conflict with constitutional protections.
“This law may be used to curtail business, freedom of speech and expression, media commentary, professional opinions and dissemination of truthful communication. That is not sovereignty—that is suppression,” Sserwadda told the committee.
Women’s rights advocates have similarly argued that the Bill could undermine economic governance and negatively affect access to services supported by external funding, including health and humanitarian programmes.
The Bill’s return to plenary comes amid calls for Parliament to prioritise national unity following the 2026 general elections, rather than advancing legislation critics say could deepen divisions.
Some legislators on the joint committee have acknowledged the weight of stakeholder submissions, with calls emerging within Parliament to reconsider or drop the Bill altogether.
When the House reconvenes, the joint committee is expected to table its report, paving the way for debate and potential voting.
Government has defended the Bill, citing emerging international threats and the need to safeguard national sovereignty, while opposition parties including the National Unity Platform (NUP) and Patriotic Front for Freedom (PFF) argue that existing legal frameworks are sufficient.
The Clerk’s notice was also copied to key parliamentary leaders, including the Prime Minister, Leader of Government Business, Government Chief Whip, and Leader of the Opposition—signalling a full House confrontation over one of the most contentious Bills in recent years.
