World Bank Warns Uganda's Sovereignty Bill Could Jeopardize $4.5B Projects

The World Bank has expressed serious concerns over Uganda’s proposed legislation designed to safeguard national sovereignty by monitoring foreign funding recipients. In a letter to Parliament dated April 23, the bank highlighted how the bill could criminalize routine activities like policy discussions.

Introduced on April 15 by President Yoweri Museveni’s administration, the bill requires Ugandans receiving foreign funds to register as agents, disclose all inflows, and avoid opposing government policies without approval. International organizations would face registration, reporting, and penalties including fines up to 4 billion Ugandan shillings ($1.08 million) or 20-year prison terms.

As a key donor with $4.57 billion in active projects, the World Bank noted that labeling global entities as ‘foreigners’ without exceptions would severely hamper operations. Lending paused in 2023 over an anti-homosexuality law but resumed after compromises.

Critics, including opposition figures, NGOs, and banks, argue the measure would block legitimate funding. Uganda’s Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi has not commented.

The bill awaits review by a parliamentary committee amid President Museveni’s longstanding claims of foreign interference by rivals.

Source: Daily Monitor