Uganda Law Society Launches Shs2.3 Billion Fund to Challenge Controversial Sovereignty Law

Uganda Law Society, Protection of Sovereignty Act, Constitution, Civil Liberties, Legal Challenge, Human Rights, Civic Space, Parliament, Rule of Law, Uganda Politics

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has launched a Shs2.301 billion legal and civic campaign fund aimed at challenging the newly enacted Protection of Sovereignty Act, 2026, which it describes as a major threat to constitutional freedoms, civic space, and democratic governance in Uganda.

Speaking during a press briefing, Uganda Law Society Vice President Asiimwe Anthony announced the establishment of the “Sovereignty Defense Fund,” valued at approximately 630,000 US dollars, to support legal action and civic engagement against the controversial legislation.

According to Asiimwe, the fund will finance what he described as a “measured, professional and lawful defense of the Constitution” following Parliament’s passage of the Protection of Sovereignty Bill on May 5, 2026, and its subsequent assent by President Yoweri Museveni.

“As lawyers of this republic, we cannot watch in silence while a law enacted in the name of sovereignty threatens the very people in whom that sovereignty constitutionally resides,” Asiimwe said.

He referenced Article One of Uganda’s Constitution, which states that all power belongs to the people, arguing that the new law risks undermining the rights and freedoms of journalists, civil society organisations, religious institutions, businesses, and ordinary citizens.

The Uganda Law Society warned that several provisions in the law introduce broad criminal penalties that could potentially affect legitimate international partnerships, donor-funded programmes, remittances, humanitarian work, and cross-border collaborations.

According to the legal body, the Act raises serious constitutional concerns, particularly regarding Article 43, which provides that any limitation on fundamental rights and freedoms must be demonstrably justifiable in a free and democratic society.

The society said the Sovereignty Defense Fund will support constitutional litigation, public awareness campaigns, civic education, legal aid services, and nationwide mobilisation efforts aimed at informing Ugandans about the implications of the law.

ULS leaders maintained that the legal fraternity would continue pursuing constitutional and lawful avenues to challenge what they termed as disproportionate restrictions on civil liberties and democratic participation.

The Protection of Sovereignty Act has since sparked debate among legal experts, civil society actors, and political observers, with critics warning that parts of the legislation could shrink civic space and affect Uganda’s engagement with international development partners.