The National Association of Broadcasters has formally submitted its position to Parliament on the proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026. In its submission, NAB raises serious constitutional, legal and economic concerns about the Bill arguing that it is unnecessary given existing laws and poses a significant threat to media freedom and democratic governance in Uganda.
The submission highlights that several provisions particularly Clause 10 and Clause 13 could criminalize routine journalistic work and legitimate public discourse creating a chilling effect across the media and broader professional sectors. NAB further notes that the Bill duplicates existing regulatory frameworks, including Anti-money laundering and financial oversight laws while introducing sweeping and vague powers that risk abuse.
As a primary recommendation, NAB urges Parliament to reject the Bill in its entirety.
Alternatively, the submission proposes key amendments including the deletion or revision of harmful clauses, explicit protections for media and professional services, alignment with existing legal frameworks and the introduction of accountability measures for public officials.
NAB reaffirms its commitment to supporting national sovereignty within a framework that respects constitutional freedoms, protects the media and sustains Uganda’s economic and democratic development. To read the full submissions, click the link https://nab.co.ug/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/doc11639120260422143532.pdf
