Uganda's Sovereignty Bill Softened Amid Public Backlash

The Ugandan government has rolled out significant changes to the contentious Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, in response to widespread public concerns. These updates were tabled by Attorney General Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka before joint parliamentary committees on April 30, 2026, alongside Minister of State for Internal Affairs Hon. David Muhoozi.

A key revision scraps the original provision treating Ugandan citizens abroad as foreigners. The new definition limits ‘foreigners’ to non-citizens, foreign governments, diplomatic missions, overseas corporations, and international organizations directly involved in prohibited activities under section 2(2).

Critics had warned the initial draft could alienate the diaspora, who send vital remittances and investments home. The ‘agent of a foreigner’ definition was also tightened, now focusing solely on direct engagement in banned actions rather than mere association, employment, or funding links.

Provisions criminalizing employment, recruitment, or contracts promoting foreign interests have been deleted, as has the minister’s power to unilaterally declare entities as foreigners or exempt certain funding via statutory instruments.

Refined terms now define ‘foreign policy’ as policies pushed by foreigners not adopted by the government, and ‘government policy’ as official stances aligned with the Constitution.

Lawmakers like Hon. Betty Nambooze noted the Bill’s rushed nature prompted these hasty fixes. Committee chair Hon. Stephen Baka Mugabi raised scenarios like MPs funded by foreign election donors. Minister Muhoozi clarified Ugandan citizenship offers no immunity from penalties.

President Yoweri Museveni addressed the uproar on April 30, 2026, affirming his initiated Bill targets threats without halting remittances, FDI, or foreign religious support.

The amended Bill awaits plenary review on Tuesday, May 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Source: Parliament of Uganda