A proposed law in Uganda, officially titled the 'Protection of Sovereignty' bill, has ignited widespread concern due to its expansive definition of a foreign agent and potential to stifle civic organizations. The bill, currently under parliamentary review, could be passed within days despite opposition from banks, traders, political parties, and civil society groups that rely on foreign currency remittances.
Critics Warn of Repression
Many opponents argue that the bill is designed to weaken opposition parties and civic groups, which often depend on foreign grants for governance and human rights work. Charles Onyango-Obbo, a prominent Ugandan political commentator, described the bill's clauses as 'unprecedented' in scope. 'They redefine who is foreign,' he said. 'They extend control from politics into everyday economic and social life.'
Definition of Foreign Agent
The bill defines a foreigner as including 'a non-Ugandan citizen' and 'a Ugandan citizen residing outside Uganda,' along with other individuals and companies not domiciled in the country. This encompasses students, businesspeople, migrant workers, diplomats, and others living abroad. If passed in its current form, Ugandans abroad would need to register as foreign agents to avoid transaction delays, with banks facing penalties for non-compliance.
Authorities defend the bill as necessary for social cohesion and protection from external interference. However, opponents contend it would directly or indirectly affect nearly every Ugandan. Isaac Ssemakadde, president of the Uganda Law Society, stated, 'It does not protect sovereignty. It destroys the sovereignty — the people's right to self-determination — that belongs to Ugandans.'
Economic and Banking Concerns
The legislation prohibits foreign agents from receiving grants or monetary support exceeding 400 million Ugandan shillings (approximately $110,000) within 12 months without interior minister approval. The Uganda Bankers' Association warned of consequences for banking operations, including introducing multiple regulators, undermining foreign investment, and creating an unpredictable environment. Since most commercial banks have foreign shareholders and borrow offshore, 'compliance and reputational risk rise overnight' when routine banking triggers the foreign agent label.
Civic and Political Backlash
Civic leaders have strongly criticized the bill, which follows President Yoweri Museveni's seventh term win. Museveni has accused his main rival, Bobi Wine, of being an unpatriotic foreign agent. Sarah Bireete, leader of the Center for Constitutional Governance, urged authorities to regulate civil society directly rather than hiding behind sovereignty. Wine, who went into hiding after January's election and is now in temporary exile in the U.S., denies the charges and calls for accountability. He officially received 24.7% of the vote, a result he rejects as fraudulent.
