Politics 30 April 2026 Howwe Entertainment
Uganda Government Amends Sovereignty Bill, Removing Controversial Clauses
The Ugandan government has made significant amendments to the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, before its parliamentary debate. Key changes include removing the classification of Ugandans living abroad as foreigners and narrowing the definition of a "foreigner" and "agent of a foreigner.". Source: https://www.howwe.ug/news/national/42899/government-amends-controversial-sovereignty-bill-ahead-of-parliamentary-debate
The Ugandan government has introduced substantial revisions to the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, in an effort to address criticism ahead of a parliamentary session set for May 4, 2026. A particularly contentious element, which proposed that Ugandan citizens residing abroad be considered foreigners, has been entirely removed from the bill.
Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka presented these amendments, which also redefine what constitutes a “foreigner.” The initial draft’s inclusion of Ugandans in the diaspora had sparked considerable public outcry, with concerns that it could negatively impact those who contribute economically through remittances and investments. The updated definition now focuses on non-citizens, foreign governments, overseas-registered corporations, and international organizations engaged in specified activities.
Furthermore, the bill revises the definition of an “agent of a foreigner.” The previous broad language has been tightened to focus specifically on individuals directly involved in activities outlined by the legislation, rather than anyone merely associated with or funded by foreign entities. A clause that defined activities like employing individuals to promote foreign interests as disruptive has also been deleted, aiming to prevent the criminalization of legitimate international partnerships and advocacy.
Additional amendments include the removal of a provision granting the minister power to declare individuals or institutions as foreigners via statutory instrument. The Attorney General also proposed removing a clause that allowed for exemptions on foreign funding to government institutions.
Despite these changes, some Members of Parliament have raised concerns about the speed at which the bill and its amendments are being processed. The Minister of State for Internal Affairs, David Muhoozi, clarified that while the bill aims to regulate foreign influence, Ugandan citizenship does not automatically grant immunity from liability under its provisions. President Museveni has also commented, suggesting the bill is being misunderstood and is not intended to hinder foreign investment or support for essential sectors like religious institutions.