DVA coalition raises concern over sovereignty bill, shrinking civic space

11 May 2026, 5:33 pm

Byamukama Alozious

Civil society organizations under the Domestic Violence Act (DVA) Coalition have expressed concern over the recently passed Sovereignty Bill, warning that it could negatively affect advocacy efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable and marginalized groups, particularly survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).

The concerns emerged during the coalition’s quarterly strategic meeting convened by the Centre for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP), bringing together actors working on GBV prevention, women’s rights and social justice to strengthen collective advocacy and solidarity.

The meeting also served as a capacity-building platform where members reflected on emerging challenges affecting civil society organizations and explored strategies for evidence-based advocacy and coordinated action.

At the center of the discussions was the Sovereignty Bill, passed by Parliament on May 4 and currently awaiting presidential assent. Coalition members described the bill as restrictive, particularly its provisions regulating foreign funding and civil society operations, warning that it could shrink civic space and weaken advocacy initiatives across the country.

Participants noted that many organizations supporting survivors of violence rely heavily on donor funding to sustain shelters, legal aid, psychosocial support, awareness campaigns and community outreach programs.

Members argued that increased restrictions on funding flows could directly affect grassroots mobilization and reduce support available to women and vulnerable communities experiencing violence and discrimination.

The discussions attracted concerns from participants who said the bill has already sparked criticism from religious leaders, cultural institutions, civil society organizations and financial actors over fears that it may limit independent advocacy and citizen participation.

During the engagement, Lydia Bwiite, Manager for Rights, Social Protection and Accountability at Platform for Labour Action, facilitated discussions on collective organizing, solidarity and adapting advocacy approaches within an increasingly challenging environment.

Bwiite encouraged coalition members to strengthen collaboration and focus on survivor-centered advocacy, emphasizing that survivors themselves can become powerful agents of change within communities.

Participants also reflected on the growing pressures affecting advocacy work, including fear of backlash, burnout among activists, financial limitations, political interference and the continued shrinking of civic space.

Some members observed that the changing political and legal environment could discourage organizations from openly speaking out on sensitive issues such as GBV, women’s rights and land injustices.

Others cited internal barriers within the civil society sector, including unhealthy competition among organizations, limited coordination and persistent cultural stereotypes that continue to undermine solidarity and collective action.

Despite the concerns, coalition members reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining advocacy efforts, strengthening partnerships and continuing to push for policies that protect the rights, dignity and safety of women and other vulnerable populations.

The meeting concluded with renewed calls for unity among civil society actors in responding to emerging legislative challenges while ensuring that survivors of violence remain at the center of advocacy and policy discussions.