New law targets foreign funding, political influence and online activity, with tough penalties proposed.
By Gloria Gwitabinji & Daniel Mugoya
Government has tabled the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, a proposed law that seeks to regulate individuals and organisations operating in the interest of foreign entities, with sweeping provisions on funding, political activity and policy influence.
The Bill, published in the Uganda Gazette on April 13, positions the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the department responsible for peace and security at the centre of oversight, including registration and monitoring of what it terms “agents of foreigners.”
Government argues the country currently lacks a specific law to guard against external interference. In its memorandum, the Bill cites growing concerns over foreign influence in government programmes, donor-driven agendas within civil society, and the use of digital platforms to spread misinformation and fuel social tension.
Who the law targets
The proposed law adopts a broad definition of an “agent of a foreigner,” covering anyone acting under the direction, control, funding or influence of a foreign individual, organisation or government. It also defines a “foreigner” to include non-citizens, Ugandans living abroad, foreign governments and missions, international organisations, and foreign-registered entities.
It would apply to a wide range of activities, including political engagement, funding or supporting political actors, influencing public policy, mobilising public opinion against government policy, and representing foreign interests before state institutions. The provisions extend to activities conducted online.
Mandatory registration and oversight
Anyone acting as an agent of a foreigner would be required to register with the government and obtain a certificate issued by the minister responsible for internal affairs. Acting without registration would attract penalties of up to Shs1 billion in fines, 10 years in prison, or both.
Applicants would have to disclose detailed information, including ownership structures, sources of funding, contracts with foreign entities, and any political activity linked to their work. Authorities would carry out background checks before approval.
The registration would be valid for two years and could be suspended or revoked on grounds such as providing false information, breaching conditions, posing a security risk, or engaging in what the Bill describes as disruptive activities.
Restrictions on foreign funding
The Bill places strict limits on foreign financial support. It bars individuals or organisations from receiving more than 20,000 currency points, equivalent to Shs400 million, from foreign sources within a year without written approval from the minister.
All recipients of foreign funding would be required to declare sources of funds, with records made available for public inspection. Financial institutions handling cross-border transfers would also be required to report such transactions to government.
Funds obtained in breach of the law would be forfeited to the State.
New offences and penalties
The Bill introduces several offences tied to sovereignty and national interest. These include promoting foreign interests against Uganda’s interests, interfering with elections, disrupting government operations, and engaging in economic sabotage.
Convictions could carry fines of up to Shs4 billion for organisations or Shs2 billion and up to 20 years in prison for individuals.
It also criminalises promoting a foreign policy in Uganda that has not been adopted by Cabinet, as well as influencing government policy outside official channels.
Control over policy and public functions
Under the Bill, development and implementation of government policy would remain strictly within state institutions. Any person or foreign-linked entity seeking to influence policy would be required to submit proposals through the relevant ministry or agency.
The law also bars agents of foreigners from carrying out functions reserved for government without approval from both the responsible agency and Cabinet.
Enforcement powers
Authorities would be given powers to inspect premises, demand documents and enforce compliance. Failure to cooperate with inspectors, providing false information or blocking access could lead to fines of up to Shs40 million or imprisonment of up to seven years.
All government agencies would be required to support enforcement of the law.
What it means
If passed, the Protection of Sovereignty Bill would mark a major shift in how Uganda regulates foreign funding, civil society operations and political engagement linked to external actors.
The proposed law places tighter state control over foreign influence while introducing strict disclosure rules and heavy penalties for violations, signalling a broader push to assert national control over policy, funding and public discourse.
