Ugandans in the diaspora appeared via Zoom before the Joint Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs and Legal and Parliamentary Affairs to discuss the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026. They warned that provisions classifying citizens abroad as foreigners and restricting remittances risk undermining trust, investment, and family support systems, despite the diaspora’s significant economic contribution. U.S based Timothy Kangajwe said Ugandans abroad are not foreigners. “When a bill defines us as such, it’s not a drafting error, it’s a statement. We send US$2.5 billion home for families, not politics. Don’t put government between our children and us," he said. Brian Mushana Kwesiga, former President of the Uganda North America Association (UNAA), said that protecting sovereignty is right, but citizens should not be confused with foreign agents. “It is difficult to ask Ugandans abroad to invest while defining them as foreigners. Build trust, don’t break it," he said. Gloria Nalule, the Executive Director of Uganda Global Forum said 77% of diaspora respondents want the bill amended. “Classifying Ugandans abroad as foreigners risks a two-tier citizenship,” she said. The joint committee continues to interface with different stakeholders regarding the bill. #11thParliamentEnds