KAMPALA — The Justice Forum (JEEMA) has issued a scathing rejection of the proposed “Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026,” branding it a “policing” tool that threatens the constitutional rights of Ugandans and the diaspora.
In a high-stakes press release dated April 23, 2026, party spokesperson Dr. Swaib Kaggwa Nsereko called on Parliament to immediately withdraw the legislation, arguing it distracts from genuine security gaps while criminalizing citizens.
The “Redundant” Article 17(2)
JEEMA’s core political argument rests on a historical “betrayal” of the 1995 Constitution. The party claims the government has deliberately left Article 17(2)—which mandates military training for all able-bodied citizens to defend the country—redundant for over 30 years.
“Real sovereignty is not built by policing citizens. It is built by preparing them,” Nsereko stated, accusing the government of rushing to punish citizens it has failed to equip.
Diaspora “Criminalized” by Billions in Fines
A major flashpoint in the bill is its impact on the Ugandan diaspora. Under the current proposal, the diaspora faces categorization as “foreigners,” exposing them to massive fines and legal hurdles for financial contributions. JEEMA argues that if there is a “fear of external money,” the solution is not to ban it but to build a citizenry so grounded in constitutional values that their “loyalty cannot be bought”.
The JEEMA Alternative: A National Civic Defence Program
Instead of what they describe as a restrictive and “policing” bill, JEEMA is proposing a National Civic Defence Program that would be:
- Voluntary and Community-Based: Anchored in constitutional literacy rather than state surveillance.
- Skill-Oriented: Focused on disaster response, cyber security, first aid, and basic defense skills.
- Inclusive: Extending to the diaspora through embassies to ensure their patriotic contribution without fear of criminalization.
The party insists that sovereignty belongs to the people, not state agencies, and has urged legislators to reject “shortcuts that erode freedoms”.
