NRM Caucus convenes emergency meeting to align position on Sovereignty Bill ahead of plenary

The ruling party’s parliamentary caucus has called a last-minute meeting to resolve internal divisions over the controversial Protection of Sovereignty Bill 2026, as lawmakers brace for a high-stakes debate that could test party unity and shape Uganda’s legislative direction.

The NRM Parliamentary Caucus has convened a special meeting for Tuesday, May 5, 2026, to harmonise positions on the bill, just hours before Parliament debates the committee report.

In a notice issued Monday, Government Chief Whip and Caucus Chairperson Denis Hamson Obua summoned all NRM MPs to a meeting at the Conference Hall, Office of the President, at 9:30am.

“Pursuant to Rule 25(2) of the Rules of Procedure of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus, you are hereby invited for the above meeting scheduled for tomorrow Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at the Conference Hall, Office of the President at 9.30am sharp,” the notice reads.

The subject of the meeting is listed as “Harmonised Protection of Sovereignty Bill 2026,” with MPs expected to attend in person before proceeding to Parliament for the 2pm plenary sitting where the bill’s committee report will be presented.

“We shall be expected to attend the Parliamentary plenary proceeding at 2pm. Kindly attend both meetings in person,” Obua wrote in the letter dated May 4, 2026.

The emergency caucus comes as the joint committee processing the bill concluded a three-day retreat on Monday, with indications that both a majority and minority report will be tabled—highlighting growing divisions within the ruling party.

The move follows concerns raised by a section of NRM legislators who pushed for an urgent caucus meeting, warning that tabling the bill without internal consensus could trigger significant resistance from within party ranks.

The proposed law has sparked intense public debate, with critics warning it could curtail civil liberties, while supporters argue it is necessary to safeguard national sovereignty.

Joint committee member Medard Lubega Ssegona dismissed claims that the Attorney General had amended the bill, clarifying that the office only provided an advisory opinion.

“The Attorney General only submitted an opinion before the committee. He cannot amend the bill,” Ssegona said.

Tuesday’s plenary sitting is expected to mark a critical moment for the 12th Parliament, serving as an early test of cohesion within the ruling party as lawmakers take positions on one of the most contentious pieces of legislation in recent months.