Uganda signs sovereignty law aimed at curbing foreign influence

KAMPALA — Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has signed into law a contentious measure intended to curb foreign influence, after parliament scaled back earlier provisions that had drawn warnings from financial institutions and rights groups.

The law, known as the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, criminalises the promotion of foreign interests over Ugandan interests and restricts people from working on foreign-supported policies without state approval. Uganda’s parliament adopted the measure on May 5, and Museveni signed it on May 18. Source: Reuters.

Earlier versions of the bill required all recipients of foreign funds to register as foreign agents. Reuters reported that lawmakers later amended that provision so it applies more narrowly to political funding tied to foreign interests. Source: Reuters.

The Bank of Uganda warned that the original bill could deter financial inflows, pressure foreign reserves and create what it called an “economic disaster.” The World Bank also raised concerns about the potential impact on development work. Neither institution had commented on the final amended version at the time of Reuters’ report. Source: Reuters.

Rights organisations have warned that the law’s broad wording could be used to suppress opposition politics and civil society activity. Uganda’s government has rejected such criticism, saying opponents have overstated the likely impact of the law. Source: Reuters.

Museveni has frequently accused foreign actors of funding opposition politics and interfering in Uganda’s domestic affairs. The new law gives his government a stronger legal instrument to regulate foreign-linked political activity ahead of future electoral contests.