The passage of the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026 in Parliament on Tuesday has drawn a personal reaction from the family of Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, with his wife, Febress Ssenyonyi, praising his role in the heated debate that preceded the vote.
The Bill, which was eventually passed after amendments, had faced resistance from opposition legislators who attempted to halt its progress on procedural and constitutional grounds.
Joel Ssenyonyi, together with other minority members, raised objections over the handling of committee reports and the pace of debate, arguing that key concerns were not being adequately addressed before the vote was taken.
Speaker Anita Among, however, dismissed the objections and allowed the House to proceed, paving the way for the Bill’s approval by the majority.
Following the outcome, Febress Ssenyonyi publicly commended her husband’s stand in Parliament, describing it as an act of courage despite the eventual defeat of the opposition’s efforts to block the legislation.
“Yesterday’s fight against the Sovereign Bill may not have stopped its passing, but I’m proud of my husband, Joel Ssenyonyi, and the other opposition leaders who stood firmly against this Bill amidst disrespect and intimidation,” she said.
She added that his conduct reflected principled leadership in a difficult political environment.
“True leadership is standing for what is right, even when the odds are against you. As your wife, I’m proud to call you my husband and my leader,” she stated.
The opposition had argued during the sitting that the Bill required more scrutiny, with some MPs warning that aspects of it could expand state powers over political activity and foreign-linked engagements.
Government side MPs, however, defended the legislation as necessary for protecting national sovereignty and regulating external influence in domestic political processes.
Despite the resistance, the House proceeded to pass the Bill after incorporating amendments narrowing its application to individuals and entities acting on behalf of foreign interests in political influence activities.
The debate, which ran into the evening, was marked by tense exchanges between the two sides, underscoring continued divisions over legislation touching on governance, political freedoms, and national security.
Febress Ssenyonyi concluded her remarks by thanking her husband for what she described as a people-centered approach to leadership and commitment to national interests even in the face of political defeat.