April 29.2026
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has rejected the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, describing it as unconstitutional and calling for its immediate withdrawal.
Appearing before the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs alongside the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs on April 24, 2026, the party argued that while safeguarding national sovereignty is a legitimate objective, the proposed law is legally flawed and unnecessary.
Addressing Journalists today, April 29.2026 at Uganda House, the party headquarters in Kampala, Sharon Arach Oyat, the spokesperson for UPC, maintains that the Bill does not address any existing legal gap but instead introduces redundant and excessive provisions that conflict with the 1995 Constitution. Adding that key areas targeted by the Bill are already regulated under existing laws, including the NGO Act, the Anti-Money Laundering Act, and the Political Parties and Organizations Act.
According to UPC, the Bill risks undermining fundamental rights, constraining civic participation, and disrupting business operations and essential services.
“Legislation that duplicates existing frameworks while infringing on constitutional guarantees serves no valid purpose and must be rejected in its entirety,” Arach emphasized.
On Trade Order Backlash
In a related development, UPC has criticized the government’s decision to resume enforcement of the trade order despite earlier assurances of broader consultations.
On April 24, 2026, State Minister for Trade David Bahati told Parliament that enforcement had been temporarily suspended to allow for further consultations following public outcry. This followed concerns raised by UPC President Jimmy Akena on April 15, highlighting widespread reports of property destruction, confiscation of goods, and harsh enforcement measures affecting traders.
Trader associations subsequently petitioned authorities to halt the exercise, citing economic hardship and lack of stakeholder engagement.
However, UPC has expressed concern after Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi announced the resumption of enforcement before comprehensive consultations were concluded.
Arach said UpC acknowledges government commitments to increased sensitization but warns against repeating past approaches that prioritised image over livelihoods.
She cites historical precedents, including the 1975 Organisation of African Unity summit and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, during which businesses and communities were temporarily displaced to project a favourable national image.
She argues that, unlike those short-term disruptions, the current trade order enforcement is having sustained and far-reaching economic consequences.
Impact on Livelihoods
Arach says the enforcement drive has disproportionately affected small traders, many of whom operate on credit. Warning that the crackdown is disrupting the entire supply chain from producers and distributors to wholesalers and retailers, while also negatively impacting related sectors such as banking, insurance, warehousing, and transport.
UPC is calling for inclusive dialogue involving government, trade associations, and financial institutions to develop a fair and practical transition framework for affected traders.