President Museveni consenting to the bill, making it law
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The new Protection Of Sovereignty Bill 2026 which was assented to by President Yoweri Museveni to become law is intended to provide for the protection of the sovereignty of the people of Uganda, say Government officials.
It will also lead to designating the Department responsible for peace and security in the Ministry responsible for Internal Affairs as the implementing authority.
“It will provide for the registration and regulation of agents of foreign entities; regulate funding and other forms of assistance to such agents; and for related matters,” reads part of a statement from State House.
With the Presidential assent, the Bill now becomes law and will guide implementation by the relevant state institutions in line with existing legal and policy frameworks.
The Protection of Sovereignty law is expected to strengthen Uganda’s capacity to safeguard its independence in national decision-making processes, while further entrenching the constitutional principle that governance and development priorities remain anchored in national interest. It is also anticipated to improve clarity in the management of state authority, enhance institutional coordination, and support ongoing efforts to promote stability, accountability, and orderly governance.
In addition, the law is seen as complementing Uganda’s broader development agenda, particularly in advancing economic transformation, improving public sector efficiency, and safeguarding national policy space as the country continues to engage with regional and international partners.
The flip side of the new law
The new law faced alot of criticism from civil society groups, legal experts and opposition politicians who warned that the legislation could undermine free speech, shrink civic space and create fear among ordinary Ugandans and organizations receiving foreign support.
Critics argued that the bill was vaguely drafted to give authorities sweeping powers to target individuals or organizations accused of acting as “agents of foreigners” to influence public policy, governance or public opinion.
Human rights defenders feared that the law could easily be weaponized against journalists, activists, opposition figures and civil society organizations critical of government policies.
Concerns have also been raised over the severe penalties proposed under the bill, including lengthy prison sentences and heavy financial fines for individuals found guilty of violating its provisions.
Legal experts said some clauses were dangerously broad, particularly those criminalizing the publication of information deemed capable of weakening the country’s economic system.
Lack of public-interest defense
According to critics, the absence of a clear public-interest defense could make ordinary activities — such as sharing foreign travel advisories, economic reports or critical commentary — vulnerable to prosecution as economic sabotage.
The bill had also alarmed non-governmental organizations, churches and development agencies because of strict controls on foreign funding.
Under the this law, organizations receiving external support could face mandatory declarations and ministerial approval requirements before accessing or using funds.
Opponents warn this could delay humanitarian operations, disrupt development projects and financially cripple NGOs that depend on international partnerships.
Ugandans living abroad had also expressed concern that the legislation could create bureaucratic barriers for remittances sent back home if diaspora communities are treated as “foreigners” under the law.
Economists warn that any restrictions affecting remittance flows could negatively impact thousands of households that rely on money from relatives abroad.
Critics further argued that the bill was unnecessary because existing laws already address crimes such as treason, illicit financial transactions and money laundering through statutes like the Penal Code Act and the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
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