Government of Uganda has introduced major amendments to the controversial Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026 ahead of a scheduled plenary sitting, including the removal of clauses that would have classified Ugandans living abroad as foreigners and narrowed provisions critics feared could criminalise ordinary interactions with foreign entities.
Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka presented the proposed amendments before the joint parliamentary committees of Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and Defence and Internal Affairs alongside State Minister for Internal Affairs David Muhoozi.
One of the key revisions removes a clause from the original draft that treated Ugandan citizens residing abroad as foreigners. Under the revised definition, foreigners now include non-Ugandan citizens, foreign governments, diplomatic missions, foreign corporations, and individuals directly involved in activities outlined under the law.
The government also revised the definition of an “agent of a foreigner,” narrowing it to persons directly engaging in activities prohibited under the Bill, rather than individuals merely associated with or funded by foreign entities.
Another contentious clause removed from the Bill had criminalised employing, sponsoring, or contracting individuals to promote foreign interests, a move critics argued could affect civil society groups, consultants, and organisations receiving foreign support.
Lawmakers including Betty Nambooze raised concerns during committee discussions, arguing that both the original Bill and subsequent amendments were being rushed. Committee Chairperson Stephen Baka Mugabi also questioned how the law would apply to politicians receiving foreign campaign financing.
Meanwhile, President Yoweri Museveni defended the intentions of the Bill in a public statement, dismissing claims that it would block foreign direct investment, diaspora remittances, or foreign support to religious organisations.
