By: GERALD NIYIRINDA

At least 170 learners across nine schools in Kisoro District risk dropping out of school if a German non-governmental organization, ‘Together for Uganda’, is forced to scale down or halt its operations due to the proposed Sovereignty Protection Bill (2026).

The draft legislation introduces wide-ranging controls on foreign funding and political activity.

It proposes criminal penalties for individuals or organizations that receive foreign support to promote policies not approved by Cabinet, mandatory registration of agents of foreign entities, fines of up to Shs4 billion for organizations, and prison sentences of up to 20 years for individuals.

It also grants authorities powers to seize assets linked to unlawful foreign funding and requires financial institutions to submit monthly reports on foreign transactions to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The Sovereignty Protection Bill (2026) continues to generate debate among development partners and civil society actors, with growing concern over its potential impact on foreign-funded community programmes in Uganda.

In a letter dated April 20, 2026, addressed to Bukimbiri County Member Of Parliament Eddie Kwizera WA Gahungo, the NGO expressed concern that the legislation currently awaiting debate in Parliament could severely restrict its long-running education sponsorship programme in Kisoro.

Together for Uganda has been in Kisoro district since 2004, currently supports 170 children in Mutolere and surrounding villages by providing school fees, learning materials, and basic welfare support from nursery level to secondary education and vocational training.

Schools that work with together for Uganda include Kagera Primary School, St. George’s Primary School, Mutolere Primary School, St. Mary’s Rambura Primary School, St. Gertrude’s Secondary School, St. Paul’s Secondary School, and St. Andrew’s Secondary School, among others.

The letter warns that if the bill is passed in its current form, the sponsorship programme may no longer be sustainable, directly affecting approximately 140 children currently under active financial support.

The broader group of 170 learners, it states, would face uncertain schooling prospects, with a high risk of dropping out due to loss of tuition, scholastic materials, and school retention support.

The NGO also raised concerns about its wider work in healthcare and housing but emphasized that education sponsorship remains the most vulnerable area under threat.

What does the bukimbiri county legislator Eddie kwizera say over Sovereignty Protection Bill (2026)

Bukimbiri County legislator Eddie Kwizera, while addressing the media, confirmed that the bill is not ready to be passed by Parliament, citing what he described as numerous irregularities.

Kwizera noted that although the government has the right to table any bill before Parliament for discussion, legislators also have the right to reject it if it is disorganised.

Kwizera also called on the public to remain patient, noting that the procedural steps required before approving the bill could pose further challenges to its passage.