Ugandan opposition figures, human rights groups and legal experts have condemned a sweeping bill that proposes up to 20 years in prison for promoting 'foreign interests', warning it could crush dissent and mirror authoritarian laws in Russia and China.
The Protection of Sovereignty Bill 2026 is being fast-tracked through parliament, with debate expected to conclude before the presidential swearing-in on 12 May. Internal affairs state minister Gen David Muhoozi told a parliamentary committee on 23 April that the bill would strengthen safeguards against foreign influence that could destabilise national security, economic stability and social cohesion.
Critics argue the vague language and broad definitions put a wide range of activities, people and organisations at risk of criminalisation, including those involved in advocacy, journalism, public discourse and private corporations. 'This law is a copy and paste of Russian and Chinese laws adopted to liquidate opposition and civil society organisations,' said Joel Ssenyonyi, Uganda's leader of the opposition.
Key provisions include a cap on financial assistance above 400m Ugandan shillings (£79,000) within any 12-month period, and authorisation of inspections of premises and access to documents. The World Bank warned in a letter to parliament that some provisions could criminalise a broad range of its 'routine development activities'.
Uganda receives hundreds of millions of dollars in external financing supporting health, education and civil society. Julius Mukunda of the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group warned that wide-scale restrictions could significantly reduce inflows, weakening the shilling and slowing economic activity.
