The global momentum of digital transformation within the public sector presents a paradox—while promising enhanced service delivery and operational efficiency, it simultaneously exposes governments to vulnerabilities stemming from reliance on transnational digital infrastructures and private technology providers. This study addresses the critical gap in understanding how digital transformation initiatives intersect with digital sovereignty concerns, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Employing a case study research strategy focusing on two LMICs, this study investigates the complex interplay between public sector digital transformation strategies and the preservation of national digital sovereignty. The findings highlight the urgent need for a coherent framework that aligns digital transformation goals with sovereignty objectives to mitigate risks related to data sovereignty (data control, cyber security), technological sovereignty, and policy autonomy. The findings of the study contribute to a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in achieving successful but sovereign digital transformation in LMICs contexts.