Cites Economic Risk, Constitutional Concerns; Seeks Suspension of Bill
By Eastafricaobserver | Kampala | April 30, 2026
A senior Ugandan citizen has formally petitioned Parliament to halt the Sovereignty Protection Bill 2026, warning that the proposed law risks economic instability and breaches constitutional standards on governance.
The petition, titled “A Constitutional Petition to the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda on the Proposed Sovereignty Protection Bill 2026,” was submitted by Fredrick ES Mutengeesa. It calls the Bill a “constitutional mirror” and a “defining test of statecraft” for the 12th Parliament.
KEY GROUNDS OF THE PETITION
Mutengeesa argues the Bill, in its current form, poses “substantial risks to Uganda’s economic stability, including potential depletion of foreign reserves and erosion of investor confidence.”
The petition points to warnings reportedly issued by the Bank of Uganda regarding “potential decline in foreign exchange reserves, threats to monetary stability, and risks to Uganda’s economic outlook.” To proceed without addressing those concerns, Mutengeesa writes, “would amount to legislative irrationality and institutional disregard for expert knowledge.”
On constitutional grounds, the petition cites Articles 2, 1, and 79 of the 1995 Constitution. It argues Parliament has a “positive duty of rationality, prudence, and accountability” and must legislate for “peace, order, development, and good governance.” Legislation that “undermines investor confidence, weakens macroeconomic stability, and disrupts financial systems” is “inconsistent with the constitutional obligation to ensure development and good governance,” the petition states.
Mutengeesa also faults the public participation process. “The constitutional test is not procedural compliance but substantive engagement,” he writes. “Where stakeholders express overwhelming concern and expert recommendations are disregarded, the process becomes form without substance, and consultation without consequence.”
ON SOVEREIGNTY AND PARLIAMENT’S ROLE
The petition contends the Bill mischaracterizes sovereignty. “Sovereignty must be exercised in the best interests of the people. It must promote economic resilience and national welfare. A measure that weakens economic stability risks becoming an instrument of vulnerability rather than sovereignty,” it reads.
Mutengeesa warns that if Parliament acts “contrary to expert advice and in disregard of public concern,” it risks “loss of institutional credibility, decline in taxpayer confidence, and weakening of democratic legitimacy.”
“This moment transcends ordinary legislation. Ugandans are watching—keenly, critically, and expectantly—to see whether Parliament will uphold the Constitution, protect the economy, and honour the trust of the people,” the petition states.
RELIEFS SOUGHT
The petitioner asks Parliament to:
Immediately suspend further consideration of the Bill.
Undertake a comprehensive, transparent, and expert-led review process.
Publish a full economic and constitutional impact assessment.
Engage stakeholders in a meaningful and responsive manner.
Withdraw or substantially amend the Bill to ensure compliance with constitutional and economic safeguards.
Affirm its commitment to constitutionalism, accountability, and the public interest.
The petition notes that upon passage, the Bill would go to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for assent under Article 91. “The President bears a constitutional obligation to ensure that enacted laws serve the national interest, uphold economic stability, and conform to constitutional principles,” it adds.
STATUS OF THE BILL
The Sovereignty Protection Bill 2026 is currently before Parliament. Government has previously said the Bill aims to safeguard Uganda’s political, economic, and cultural independence from undue external influence. The Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs has not yet issued its report. No date has been set for the Second Reading.
FINAL DECLARATION
Mutengeesa concludes: “The Sovereignty Protection Bill 2026 is not merely a legal instrument—it is a constitutional mirror. The decision Parliament takes will define not only the fate of this Bill, but the credibility of Uganda’s legislative authority and the future of its democratic governance.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Eastafricaobserver has reviewed the full text of the petition submitted by Fredrick ES Mutengeesa. We have contacted the Office of the Speaker, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and the Chairperson of the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for comment. The article will be updated to reflect their responses once received. We have not independently verified the Bank of Uganda warnings cited in the petition. Readers are encouraged to access the Sovereignty Protection Bill 2026 via the Uganda Gazette for the full legislative text.