By Aggrey Baba
In a detailed post on X (formally Twitter), Solomon Sentamu, son NUP leader Robert Sentamu Kyagulanyi, has raised serious concern over the proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, warning that its provisions carry heavy penalties and could significantly affect political activities of Ugandans, especially those in the diaspora.
Solomon said he had reviewed a draft of the bill dated March 3rd, outlining what he described as “strict and far-reaching” clauses that could heavily affect political engagement both within and outside the pearl of Africa.
He pointed to provisions which, in his interpretation, define a “foreigner” broadly, potentially extending to Ugandan citizens residing abroad.
According to him, this could place diaspora Ugandans under the same regulatory scope as external actors when engaging in matters related to Uganda’s politics.
Citing specific clauses, he said the bill proposes to criminalize engaging in Uganda’s political activities “for or in the interests of a foreigner,” including through digital platforms.
He also referenced provisions that bar the promotion of foreign policy positions not adopted by Museveni’s Cabinet and restrict foreign involvement in electoral processes.
Of particular concern, Kyagulanyi’s son highlighted penalties under the draft law, which he said include imprisonment of up to 20 years or fines of up to 100,000 currency points (equivalent to about Ugx 2 billion) for offenders.
Sentamu further drew attention to financial restrictions in the proposed legislation, saying that according to his reading, individuals or organizations receiving more than 20,000 currency points (approximately UGX 400 million) from foreign sources within a 12-month period without written approval from Uganda’s Minister of Internal Affairs could commit an offence, with such funds liable to forfeiture to the state.
He argued that these provisions, if passed in their current form, could directly impact diaspora fundraising, international advocacy, and political mobilization efforts linked to opposition groups (particularly NUP). His comments come at a time when his father Robert Kyagulanyi has been engaging Ugandan diaspora communities and international stakeholders, particularly in the U.S.
Solomon also questioned the level of oversight in the proposed framework, noting that key powers (such as approval of foreign funding and enforcement of the law) would be vested in the Minister of Internal Affairs, which he suggested, could centralize significant authority in a single office.
The Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, remains in draft form and is expected to be subjected to parliamentary debate in the 12th Parliament and possible amendments be made. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
