Uganda’s Parliament yesterday passed the controversial Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, marking a major legislative shift aimed at regulating foreign influence, even as concerns persist over its potential impact on civil liberties and economic activity.

The bill was passed during a tense plenary sitting chaired by Anita Annet Among, marking the very last bill and sitting by the 11th Parliament as the 12th Parliament prepares to take over.

The bill, which had attracted intense public interest over controversial clauses in its original form, was considered during a packed plenary sitting chaired by Anita Annet Among. Trying to resist the passing of the bill, members of the opposition caucus filed a minority report, raising technical and procedural concerns, many of which were not considered during the final debate.

The minister of state for internal affairs, Hon. David Muhoozi, who moved and justified the motion, said Uganda faces challenges that threaten its ability to self-govern.

So, after passing the bill, one would wonder. What is the Sovereignty Bill and what does it entail?
The Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026 (Bill No. 13) is a legislative framework passed by the Parliament of Uganda on May 5, 2026. Its primary objective is to safeguard national independence by regulating individuals and entities that act on behalf of foreign interests to influence Uganda's political and economic systems.

The bill establishes a state-controlled system that moves away from simple transparency toward a permission-based model for civic and economic engagement and includes key provisions such as mandatory registration (Clauses 14–17), whereby anyone classified as an "agent of a foreigner" must register with a newly created Department for Peace and Security under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Other provisions included Foreign Funding Declaration (Clause 22), Cabinet Approval for Policy Activities (Clauses 7–8), Economic Sabotage (Clause 13), and Penalties and Enforcement via Financial Institutions (Clause 25). The different clauses in the bill caused a lot of public outcry, bringing about different stakeholders to speak against it.

Major amendments were made to the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, before it was passed. The revisions significantly narrowed the scope of the law, restricting its application to matters of direct political interference while exempting broad areas of the economy and everyday civic life that had previously been at risk. Some of the amendments include
Clause 1, where the Foreigner and Agent of a Foreigner definitions were amended, citing that Ugandans abroad are no longer considered “foreigners.” The diaspora can freely engage in national issues and send remittances while only those who knowingly act to influence politics or national security count as agents. Mere funding or association doesn’t qualify.

Clause 22, citing Foreign Funding, where instead of needing ministerial approval for funds above UGX 400 million, agents now just have to declare them; Ministerial Powers, where the minister can not unilaterally label someone a “foreigner” anymore; and Criminal Intent & Penalties, where offenses require proof of intent and maximum prison terms were reduced.

While final amendments eased some burdens such as exempting the diaspora from being labelled "foreigners" and protecting essential services like banking and healthcare, the law still imposes heavy restrictions on civil society, requiring Cabinet approval for policy advocacy. It introduces a high-stakes compliance environment for the private sector and media, where "economic sabotage" or failing to declare funds can lead to 10 years in prison or multi-billion-shilling fines for banks. Ultimately, while the government views this as a shield against external interference, it creates significant legal and financial bottlenecks that may stifle independent journalism, increase operational costs for NGOs, and cause international investors to adopt a cautious approach.