Ugandan parliament passes revised sovereignty law after central bank concerns

Wednesday 06 - 09:45

Uganda has passed a revised version of its controversial sovereignty bill, following warnings from the country’s central bank governor over potential economic risks linked to the original proposal.

The legislation, known as the “Protection of Sovereignty Bill”, was approved by parliament and now awaits presidential approval from long-time leader Yoweri Museveni.

Concerns over economic impact

The central bank governor had previously warned that strict restrictions on foreign funding could reduce financial inflows and negatively affect the economy, describing the initial draft as potentially destabilising.

In response, lawmakers scaled back some of the most restrictive provisions before passing the bill.

Foreign influence and political tensions

The law aims to limit what the government describes as foreign interference in domestic politics. It criminalises promoting foreign interests against national interests and restricts individuals or organisations working with foreign funding from influencing policy without government approval.

President Museveni and his ruling party have repeatedly accused opposition groups of receiving foreign support and promoting external agendas.

Opposition and human rights concerns

Human rights organisations have raised concerns that the broad wording of the law could be used to suppress political dissent and restrict opposition activity. They argue that it could criminalise legitimate political expression and civic engagement.

The government, however, has rejected these claims, accusing critics of exaggerating the law’s implications.

Outlook

Once signed into law, the legislation could significantly reshape the political and civic space in Uganda, intensifying debate over governance, sovereignty, and democratic freedoms.