Uganda diaspora leaders petition Parliament over Sovereignty Bill

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Ugandan diaspora leaders, led by Lambert Etibot, the president of the Ugandan North American Association (UNAA), have formally petitioned Parliament, raising concerns over provisions in the proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, warning that parts of the law could undermine their rights and discourage investment back home.

In a memorandum submitted to the Clerk to Parliament, diaspora representatives from North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa argued that the Bill, in its current form, categorises Ugandans living abroad as “foreigners”, a move they say is unconstitutional and out of step with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), which guarantees every person the right to a nationality and not to be arbitrarily deprived of it.

The Bill, which seeks to regulate foreign influence, funding and activities deemed to affect national sovereignty, was first tabled in Parliament and read for the first time on April 15, 2026.

It has since sparked nationwide debate, with politicians, civil society actors and legal experts weighing in on its potential implications.

Citizenship concerns

At the centre of the diaspora’s submission is Clause 1 of the Bill, which defines a foreigner to include a Ugandan citizen residing outside the country.

Diaspora leaders argue that such a provision contradicts Article 9 of the Constitution, which guarantees citizenship, and could strip Ugandans abroad of their legal status.

“We see the Bill as an avenue to strip Ugandans living abroad of their citizenship and heritage,” the memorandum states.

They also raised concern over provisions that grant the Minister powers to declare individuals as foreigners, warning that such broad discretion could be open to abuse.

Impact on families, remittances

The memorandum highlights potential ripple effects on families and communities within Uganda.

According to the diaspora leaders, provisions defining “agents of foreigners” could mean that relatives, friends or associates receiving support from Ugandans abroad may be subjected to registration requirements and possible criminal liability.

They warn that this could create fear among recipients of remittances and discourage financial support to families.

Uganda’s diaspora currently contributes about $2.5 billion (about sh9.25 trillion) annually in remittances, a figure the leaders say could be affected if restrictive measures are implemented.

The Bill also proposes limits and reporting requirements on foreign funding, including transactions exceeding sh400 million without ministerial approval, which diaspora leaders say could hinder investment and development projects.

“There is a risk that diaspora may face prohibitive bureaucratic hurdles… discouraging remittances and investments,” the memorandum notes.

Political participation and expression

Diaspora leaders further expressed concern that the Bill could limit their participation in national affairs.

They argue that provisions relating to political activity and digital platforms may criminalise diaspora engagement in public discourse, including expressing views on social media.

The memorandum cites constitutional protections on freedom of expression and participation in governance, warning that the Bill may infringe on these rights.

Call for review

While acknowledging the Bill’s objective of protecting Uganda’s sovereignty from foreign interference, diaspora leaders urged Parliament to review and amend key clauses.

Among their recommendations are removing provisions that categorise Ugandans abroad as foreigners, narrowing the scope of the Bill to target specific threats, ensuring judicial oversight over ministerial powers, exempting remittances and diaspora investments from restrictive provisions, and reviewing penalties to ensure they are proportionate.

They also called for broader consultation, noting that the diaspora remains a key stakeholder in Uganda’s development.

Request for engagement

The diaspora leaders requested a virtual meeting with the relevant parliamentary committee to further present their views and proposals.

Last week, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa made assurances that the government will allow adequate consultations on the Bill.

“I just want to reassure you that the process of consultations is still ongoing and we are going to allow adequate consultations so that we can pick the views of the public, and we do what we are supposed to do as a Parliament,” Tayebwa said.

The submission was coordinated with the State House Diaspora Unit as part of ongoing efforts to ensure diaspora concerns are captured in national policy discussions.

The memorandum, seen by New Vision, was signed by diaspora leaders including Lambert Etibot, president and CEO of the Ugandan North American Association (UNAA), Justus Mirembe, president of the National Alliance of Ugandan Canadian Associations (NAUCA), Aliguma Saul Rayan, chairperson of the Ugandan Community in Qatar (UGACOQ), Bridget Akanga, secretary general of the Sweden chapter, and Dr Manoj Joshi MBE DL, president of the Uganda Europe UK Association (UEUKA).

Others are Moses Kibombo Ssentongo, president of the Confederation of Ugandans in Southern Africa, Ndugwa Mustafa, chairperson of the Association of Ugandans in the UAE, Stephen Musana, chairperson of the Ugandans in Czech Association, Tony Muwanga, president of Ugandans in Belgium (Ugabel), and Murema Murinzi Boaz, chairperson of the Federation of Ugandans in Germany.