KAMPALA, May 6, 2026 — The contentious Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026 has been approved by Parliament following intense debate, and now awaits presidential assent.
The Bill was passed late yesterday evening after legislators adopted the committee report and completed clause-by-clause consideration, following days of public outcry over the proposed legislation. It now awaits the assent of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to become law.
The Bill, tabled on April 15, 2026 by State Minister for Internal Affairs David Muhoozi, sparked strong reactions from lawmakers, legal experts, civil society organisations, the media, bankers, regulators, academics and cultural institutions, among others.
It was subjected to scrutiny by parliamentary committees, with the ruling National Resistance Movement [NRM] parliamentary Caucus signalling support for its passage.
At the heart of the legislation is an attempt to regulate foreign funding and influence in Uganda, with the government arguing that the measures are necessary to safeguard national sovereignty from external interference. The law establishes a framework for the registration, monitoring and control of individuals and entities deemed to be agents of foreign interests, while tightening oversight of financial flows, partnerships and related activities.
Key amendments
During scrutiny, the committee raised concerns about vague provisions in the original draft, particularly the introduction of offences such as “economic sabotage” and “interference” without clear definitions. Lawmakers subsequently pushed for clarity and proposed adjustments to sanctions.
The committee also flagged the broad definition of a “foreigner” and an “agent of a foreigner”, noting that it risked capturing Ugandans in the diaspora. Amendments were introduced to refine these definitions and to protect legitimate economic, academic, humanitarian and civic activities.
Parliament further amended Clause 21 to restrict the requirement for declaration of funding sources to individuals and entities classified as agents of foreign interests.
Under the law as passed, Clause 13 criminalises economic sabotage, with penalties including a fine of Shs 2 billion for organisations and Shs 1 billion for individuals, or up to 10 years’ imprisonment. The offence is defined as acts by an agent of a foreigner who knowingly publishes false information or engages in conduct that weakens or undermines the country’s economic system.
Minority dissent
Despite the amendments, opposition lawmakers raised strong objections to the Bill.
In a minority report, Busiro East Member of Parliament [MP] Medard Sseggona argued that the legislation was fundamentally flawed, calling for its rejection.
“The Bill was rejected by the President and the majority of stakeholders the committee engaged, together with the purported sponsor,” Sseggona said, adding that it does not address any clear mischief.
Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze criticised the process, citing limited public participation. She said the committee largely ignored views from hundreds of stakeholders and considered only a handful of submissions, which she argued undermined citizens’ right to be heard.
Kilak South MP Gilbert Olanya warned that the law introduces a punitive sanctions regime that could harm the economy, and called for its withdrawal and redrafting.
Erute South MP Jonathan Odur questioned the validity of the certificate of financial implications issued by Amos Lugoloobi, arguing that it did not align with the Bill’s provisions.
Odur also accused some committee members of procedural irregularities, claiming dissenting voices were stifled during deliberations.
He further argued that substantial changes made to the Bill altered its original intent and should have required it to be reintroduced and subjected to fresh committee review.
Law takes shape
Despite the objections, the Bill was passed by the majority NRM, and independents allied to it, marking a significant step in the government’s push to tighten control over foreign influence in Uganda’s political and economic landscape.
The legislation now awaits presidential assent to become law, although some political and legal analysts say those opposed to it may seek redress in court should Museveni sign it.
https://thecooperator.news/world-bank-urges-uganda-to-exercise-caution-over-sovereignty-bill/
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