Veteran journalist Charles Onyango-Obbo has criticised the proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, warning that it could strain Uganda’s relationship with its diaspora.
His remarks follow recent comments by Yoweri Museveni, who sought to calm public concern by stating that the Bill should only focus on protecting Uganda’s policy decision-making from external influence.
He maintained that it is not intended to interfere with private business transactions, diaspora remittances, or foreign donations to religious institutions.
However, Onyango-Obbo dismissed that position, arguing that the debate surrounding the Bill reflects deeper concerns about how Ugandans abroad are being treated.
“If we have to dredge up 125 years of Africa’s woes and the global history of pan-Africanism to explain away a colonial-style denationalisation of Ugandan citizens abroad, and a law that seizes the sweat of its Diaspora, then we are deep in a bizarre alternative universe,” he said.
He described the proposal as contradicting the ideals of African unity and solidarity, warning against using historical struggles to justify controversial legislation.
“It’s the flip side of the slave trade. Marcus Garvey would be mortified,” he added.
The Bill has sparked debate among analysts and sections of civil society, with critics arguing that its provisions could still be interpreted in ways that affect diaspora contributions and financial flows despite government assurances.
Uganda’s diaspora remains a key source of income for many households, with remittances supporting education, healthcare, and investment. Concerns have been raised that any uncertainty around these flows could have wider economic implications.
While Museveni has called for the Bill to be refined to avoid unintended consequences, debate around the proposal continues to intensify as Parliament considers its next steps.