President Yoweri Museveni has distanced himself from several provisions in the newly tabled Sovereignty Bill currently under scrutiny by Parliament’s committees on legal and parliamentary affairs, and defence and internal affairs.
On April 15, 2026, the State Minister for Internal Affairs, David Muhoozi, presented the bill for its first reading, triggering a legislative process that has since attracted sharp reactions from lawmakers, legal experts, civil society and academia.
The bill was subsequently referred to the relevant parliamentary committees for detailed scrutiny. Its introduction followed a resolution by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) caucus backing its passage, signalling strong executive support.
At the centre of the proposed law is an attempt to regulate foreign funding and influence in Uganda. Government argues the measures are necessary to safeguard national sovereignty against external interference.
The bill proposes a comprehensive framework for the registration, monitoring and control of individuals and entities deemed to be “agents of foreigners.” It also seeks to regulate financial flows, partnerships and activities involving foreign actors.
However, concern has largely centred on the breadth of definitions within the proposed law.
A “foreigner” is defined not only as a non-Ugandan citizen but also includes Ugandans living abroad, foreign governments and diplomatic missions, international organisations, and any entity registered outside Uganda. The minister is further empowered to designate any person or institution a “foreigner” through a statutory instrument.
Similarly, the definition of an “agent of a foreigner” is wide-ranging, covering individuals or organisations engaged in political activities who receive or disburse funds linked to foreign interests. This includes actors involved in advocacy, policy influence, public mobilisation, political financing or support to electoral candidates.
In effect, the bill introduces far-reaching oversight over political activity tied to foreign funding — a move government insists is long overdue.
