Uganda is considering a new law that could change how money, influence, and foreign connections are handled in the country—and it could affect far more people than just politicians.
The proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, now before Parliament, is the government’s latest attempt to tighten control over what it sees as growing foreign influence in national affairs. Officials argue that outside funding and pressure—especially when not properly disclosed—can quietly shape decisions in politics, the economy, and even public opinion.
At its core, the bill is about one big idea: making sure Uganda’s decisions are made in Uganda, not influenced from abroad.
If passed, the law would introduce tough new rules on anyone dealing with foreign individuals, organisations, or governments. That includes NGOs, companies, activists, and even private citizens who receive funding or support from outside the country.
One of the most serious changes is that it would become a criminal offence to promote what authorities consider “foreign interests” if those interests go against Uganda’s national priorities. While the bill does not give a single, clear-cut definition of “foreign interests,” it broadly points to any agenda or activity backed by foreign actors that tries to influence how Uganda is run. That could range from political lobbying to funding campaigns or shaping public debate.
The penalties are heavy. Individuals found guilty could face massive fines or long prison sentences, while organisations could be fined even more. The message from government is clear: activities seen as putting foreign agendas ahead of national interest will be treated as serious crimes.
The bill also introduces the idea of “foreign agents.” Anyone acting on behalf of a foreign person, organisation, or government would be required to officially register. Failing to do so—even unknowingly—could lead to prosecution. Beyond registration, such individuals or groups would have to openly declare any funding they receive from abroad.
Money is a major focus of the proposed law. It sets a strict cap on how much foreign funding a person or organisation can receive in a year without special approval from the government. Any funds beyond that limit would need written clearance from the Minister. At the same time, certain types of funding—especially those linked to political activity or attempts to influence government decisions—would be outright banned.
If authorities believe money has been received illegally or used in violation of the law, they would have the power to seize it. This means funds, assets, or support tied to foreign sources could be confiscated by the state.
The bill also goes further by targeting actions that could harm the economy or interfere with governance. Activities labelled as “economic sabotage,” as well as attempts to influence elections or disrupt government operations on behalf of foreign interests, would attract some of the toughest penalties under the law.
Even smaller violations are covered. Providing false information or blocking inspections related to foreign funding could lead to fines or jail time.
Another key detail is how broadly the bill defines a “foreigner.” It doesn’t just mean non-Ugandan citizens. It also includes Ugandans living abroad, international organisations, foreign-registered companies, and even entities the Minister may designate. This wide definition means many cross-border relationships—business, charity, or otherwise—could fall under the law’s scope.
So what does all this mean in everyday terms?
For many Ugandans, especially those working with NGOs, international partners, or diaspora connections, the bill could introduce more paperwork, stricter oversight, and higher legal risks. For organisations that rely on foreign funding, it could limit how much support they receive and how they use it. For individuals, even informal links to foreign entities could now carry legal obligations.
The government insists these measures are necessary to safeguard the country’s independence and stability. But the scope of the bill—its strict penalties, broad definitions, and deep reach into funding and partnerships—means it could significantly reshape how Uganda interacts with the outside world.
