Creative Industry Coalition challenges Sovereignty Bill before Parliament – Sqoop

A coalition of a section of Uganda’s creative industry bodies has appeared before Parliament’s Joint Committee to submit formal proposals seeking amendments to the proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, warning that the legislation in its current form could disrupt the country’s music, film, publishing and wider creative sectors.

Among those who joined the presentation were Jeff Ekongot, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Musicians Association (UMA), artiste KS Alpha also from UMA, Mathew Nabwiso, vice board chairperson of the Uganda Federation of Movie Industry (UFMI) and the Uganda Producers Guild, Martin Nkoyoyo, alias Yoyo, Board chairperson of the Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS), and other independent practicing artists.

The delegation was joined by Hon. Rachel Magoola, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Creative Industries, who urged legislators to consider the wider cultural and economic consequences of the Bill.

In her opening remarks, Magoola reportedly reminded the committee that Uganda’s history has at times been shaped by exclusion, where some communities were labelled foreigners and denied opportunities on the basis of identity or place of origin.

She questioned whether a law that could classify Ugandan citizens as foreigners because of where they live, work, or derive income risks reopening old divisions through legal means.

Her remarks framed a hearing in which artists, rights holders, producers and sector leaders argued that the creative economy could become unintended collateral damage in a law primarily presented as a sovereignty and economic protection measure.

Background to the Bill

The Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026 has emerged as one of the most debated pieces of legislation currently before Parliament. Supporters of the Bill say it is intended to shield Uganda’s political, economic and strategic interests from undue foreign influence, particularly in key sectors such as civil society, digital infrastructure, financing, land, natural resources and governance.

Proponents argue that many developing nations remain vulnerable to external pressure through funding arrangements, market dependency, and control of strategic systems. They say the Bill seeks to create legal guardrails that ensure Uganda’s decisions and institutions remain firmly under national control.

However, critics have raised concerns that some clauses may be too broad, vague, or sweeping in their definitions, potentially affecting ordinary Ugandans, private sector actors, investors, researchers, journalists and creative professionals whose work naturally crosses borders.

Since its tabling, the Bill has triggered heated public debate across talk shows, legal forums, universities, business associations and social media platforms. Lawyers, economists, human rights advocates and industry groups have questioned whether parts of the proposed law may conflict with constitutional protections on trade, expression, movement, association and property rights.

Others have asked how Uganda, like many modern economies, can pursue sovereignty while still participating in a globalised world built on digital commerce, foreign investment, remittances, knowledge exchange and international partnerships.

Parliamentary journey so far

The Bill was tabled earlier this year and later referred to a Joint Committee of Parliament for scrutiny and stakeholder consultation. Since then, lawmakers have been receiving submissions from different interest groups, including business leaders, civil society organisations, academia and sectoral representatives.

Committee hearings have become a focal point for national attention, with many Ugandans following proceedings closely to understand how the final law may affect daily life and commerce.

Some MPs have reportedly called for stronger safeguards to prevent abuse or overreach, while others have defended the Bill as necessary in a time when nations are rethinking economic self-reliance and control over domestic affairs.

It is within this broader national conversation that the creative industry made its appearance before Parliament.

Fears for Music, Film and Publishing

Presenting on behalf of the coalition, Ekongot argued that several clauses in the Bill could unintentionally criminalise normal industry operations in the digital era.

They said the music industry, which has thousands of Ugandan artistes distributing songs through global streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and Boomplay, could be affected if such activity is interpreted as engagement with foreign-controlled systems or agents.

For many musicians, digital streaming has become one of the few available channels for global reach, brand building and royalty collection. Industry players warned that any uncertainty around such platforms could slow growth in an already fragile sector.

The coalition also raised concerns over the film industry, noting that international co-productions, grants and foreign-backed financing are common features of modern filmmaking. They argued that restrictions on such arrangements could limit opportunities for Ugandan filmmakers seeking larger markets and better production capacity.

In the literary and publishing sector, stakeholders said authors working with foreign publishers, journalists contributing to international media outlets, and academics publishing with global presses could also face uncertainty if the law is not clarified.

They further noted that collective management organisations responsible for royalty administration and intellectual property enforcement could be weakened if caught within broad provisions targeting foreign relationships.

The coalition said it is seeking three targeted amendments aimed at shielding Uganda’s creative industries from provisions they believe were not designed with the sector in mind.

The committee is expected to continue reviewing submissions before presenting recommendations to Parliament for debate and possible amendment.

What is at stake

The hearing comes at a time when Uganda’s creative economy is expanding rapidly. Musicians, filmmakers, writers, designers and digital creators are increasingly building careers through cross-border collaborations, online platforms and international audiences.

Analysts say the debate around the Bill reflects a larger national dilemma: how to protect sovereignty without isolating local talent and enterprise from global opportunity.

For the creative sector, stakeholders insist sovereignty should not mean shutting doors, but building stronger local capacity while remaining connected to the world.

As Parliament continues its scrutiny, many in the arts community will be watching closely to see whether their concerns are reflected in the final version of the law.