Written By | Peter Luzinda
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Kampala
A coalition of 14 activists, journalists, politicians, and civil society actors has petitioned the Constitutional Court of Uganda, challenging the newly enacted Protection of Sovereignty Act and arguing that it infringes on constitutional freedoms and expands state control over civic and political activity.
The petitioners include former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Winnie Kiiza, Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake, and journalist Arnold Anthony Mukose, alongside other civil society figures.
Law challenged as unconstitutional
Filed before the Constitutional Court, the petition seeks to overturn the Protection of Sovereignty Act, No. 7 of 2026, which was passed by Parliament on May 5, assented to by President Yoweri Museveni on May 17, and came into force on May 22.
The applicants argue that the law was rapidly enacted and contains overly broad provisions that risk being used to suppress dissent and civic engagement.
Core argument: criminalizing dissent
Central to the petition is the claim that the law equates criticism of government policy with disloyalty to the state through its definitions of "interests of Uganda" and "foreign interests."
The petitioners argue that this framework undermines constitutional protections by making disagreement with government positions potentially criminal.
The petition further objects to the use of ambiguous terms such as "economic sabotage," "disruptive activities," and "ideologies inconsistent with the Constitution or cultural norms," saying they fail to meet legal clarity standards.
Free speech and assembly concerns
The applicants say the Act introduces provisions that restrict freedom of expression, particularly by penalizing criticism of government policy and limiting civic mobilization.
They also challenge clauses affecting meetings and advocacy activities involving foreign support, arguing that these infringe on the rights to peaceful assembly and association.
Executive authority and oversight concerns
The petition raises concern over wide discretionary powers granted to the minister, including licensing, monitoring, and suspension of organizations.
According to the applicants, these powers weaken parliamentary oversight and shift significant authority to the Executive, contrary to constitutional principles of separation of powers.
Foreign funding and civic space
The petition also targets provisions regulating foreign-funded organizations, arguing that they impose restrictive registration, reporting, and approval requirements that could stifle civil society work.
The petitioners say the measures disproportionately affect organizations engaged in governance, advocacy, and public accountability.
Relief sought
The petitioners are seeking orders declaring the contested provisions unconstitutional and temporarily suspending enforcement of the Act pending the court's determination.
The Attorney General, who is the sole respondent, had not yet filed a response by press time.
