Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Law Society has launched a Shs2.301 billion “Sovereignty Defence Fund” to finance legal challenges, public awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts against the recently enacted Protection of Sovereignty Act, 2026.
In an urgent public appeal issued on Wednesday, May 14, the lawyers’ body warned that the new law poses a serious threat to constitutional freedoms, civil society operations, media freedom, diaspora remittances and Uganda’s investment climate.
The fund, estimated at roughly $630,000, was unveiled under the theme: “Sovereignty belongs to the people. So must its defence.”
According to ULS President Isaac K. Ssemakadde, the Society cannot “watch in silence” after Parliament passed the controversial law on May 5 and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni assented to it. “We are writing because Article 1 of our Constitution puts the matter beyond doubt: all power belongs to the people of Uganda,” he said.
The country’s National Bar Association argued that although countries may regulate foreign lobbying and external influence, the new Ugandan law goes “far beyond” acceptable democratic standards by imposing broad criminal penalties that could affect journalists, NGOs, lawyers, churches, universities, diaspora communities and businesses.
The legislation, Ssemakadde says, risks exposing ordinary citizens and organisations to prosecution over loosely defined foreign associations and international partnerships.
He further cited several examples, including journalists working with foreign media houses, NGOs operating on donor funding, Ugandans receiving diaspora remittances, and lawyers retained by foreign clients.
“A journalist who files a story for an international wire, or who simply takes a call from a foreign editor, could face years in prison,” Ssemakadde warned.
The ULS President further argued that the law may violate Article 43(2)(c) of Uganda’s Constitution, which requires limitations on fundamental rights to be “acceptable and demonstrably justifiable in a free and democratic society.” He also warned of potential economic consequences if the law remains unchallenged.
“The USD 2.5 billion in annual diaspora remittances that keep Ugandan families housed, fed and educated; the donor programmes that hold up our health and education systems; the foreign investment that has built our energy, telecommunications and financial services sectors, all of it depends on legal predictability,” Ssemakadde noted.
He said the Shs2.301 billion fund will support four major intervention areas, including public education, coalition and diaspora coordination, high-level advocacy, and litigation support.
According to the breakdown released by ULS, Shs266 million will finance nationwide civic education campaigns through radio, television and print media, while Shs550 million has been allocated to coalition-building efforts involving local and international stakeholders.
Another Shs78 million will support engagement with the Presidency, Parliament, the East African Community, the African Commission and diplomatic missions.
The largest allocation, Shs1.220 billion, has been earmarked for litigation and victim support, including a Shs400 million legal aid fund intended to defend journalists, civil society leaders, editors and families who may face prosecution under the new law.
ULS said the fund would be independently audited and subjected to regular public reporting to ensure accountability.
The Society called upon lawyers, civil society organisations, investors, diplomats, development partners, members of the diaspora and ordinary Ugandans to support what it described as a constitutional defence effort aimed at protecting democracy, civic freedoms and the rule of law.
“This is not charity. This is partnership,” Ssemakadde emphasized.
Inside the Protection of Sovereignty Act, 2026
The Protection of Sovereignty Act, 2026, recently enacted and assented to by the President as a Ugandan law, is reportedly aimed at regulating foreign influence, external funding, lobbying activities and foreign-linked political or civic operations within the country.
The law reportedly introduces stricter oversight on organisations, individuals and entities receiving foreign funding or working with foreign partners, while granting authorities broader powers to investigate activities considered harmful to Uganda’s sovereignty or national interests.
Government and supporters of the law argue that it is intended to safeguard Uganda’s national sovereignty, security and political independence from undue foreign interference.
The legislation has already generated heated public debate, with supporters arguing it seeks to shield Uganda from foreign interference, while critics warn it could significantly shrink civic space and undermine constitutional freedoms.
Opponents of the law also fear it could shrink civic space, undermine press freedom, discourage foreign investment and affect Uganda’s international partnerships if implemented aggressively.
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