pressug.com News 24 7
Related Articles
By Alexander Luyima | The Hoima Post
KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ugandan government is moving swiftly to pass the Protection of Sovereignty Bill 2025, a sweeping piece of legislation that officials say will shield the country from foreign interference. However, critics warn the bill could significantly restrict civic space, target the diaspora, and further erode democratic freedoms.
The proposed law comes amid growing concern over Uganda’s human rights record, with reports of abductions, torture, and extrajudicial killings by state security forces already raising alarm both locally and internationally. Observers fear the bill could entrench these practices under legal cover rather than prevent external influence.
“This bill can be likened to a tsunami,” said Henry Muguzi, Executive Director of the Alliance for Finance Monitoring. “A tsunami does not distinguish between those who caused it and those who did not. It affects everyone in its path.”
Fast-Tracked Through Parliament
The bill has received strong backing from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary caucus, following a high-level meeting at State House Entebbe chaired by Yoweri Museveni. Lawmakers have reportedly agreed to expedite its passage, with indications it could be tabled and approved within days.
Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua defended the bill, arguing it aligns with international precedent.
“We were colonised by the British. The UK had similar legislation. We are not reinventing the wheel,” Obua said. “We want full sovereignty and to secure it through this law.”
The draft legislation outlines offences such as “promoting foreign interests,” “economic sabotage,” and “interference in elections.” Penalties include fines of up to UGX 2 billion (approximately USD 540,000), prison sentences of up to 20 years, and asset confiscation linked to alleged foreign influence.
Diaspora Redefined as ‘Foreigners’
One of the most controversial provisions is the bill’s broad definition of a “foreigner,” which extends to Ugandan citizens living abroad.
Legal experts argue this could expose diaspora Ugandans to prosecution for activities deemed critical of the government.
“This is legally incoherent and politically dangerous,” said Francis Gimara, a human rights lawyer and former president of the Uganda Law Society. “Citizenship does not change based on residence. This provision appears designed to target diaspora voices.”
Vague Language, Expansive Powers
Critics have also raised concerns about the bill’s ambiguous wording. Terms such as “promoting foreign interests” and “economic sabotage” are not clearly defined, potentially granting broad discretionary powers to the executive.
Prominent human rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo warned that such provisions mirror past legislation used to silence dissent.
“When laws are drafted with undefined terms and enforced selectively, they become tools of repression,” Opiyo said. “This is not about sovereignty. It is about control.”
Civil Society at Risk
Civil society organisations, many of which rely on foreign funding, could face severe operational restrictions under the bill.
The proposed law requires organisations to declare foreign funding within 14 days and grants authorities the power to block or limit funding deemed contrary to national interests.
Agnes Taaka, Country Director for ActionAid Uganda, warned of the broader impact.
“This is not about organisations. It is about the communities we serve,” she said. “If this bill passes, it is ordinary Ugandans who will suffer — those relying on healthcare, education, and social support.”
A Troubling Human Rights Context
The bill emerges amid heightened scrutiny of Uganda’s human rights record. Security forces have been repeatedly accused of enforced disappearances, torture, and unlawful killings targeting opposition figures, journalists, and activists.
In August 2024, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern over reports of such abuses, urging the government to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability.
Similarly, Amnesty International has warned that the proposed law could worsen the situation.
“You cannot claim to protect sovereignty while violations continue with impunity,” said Sarah Jackson, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. “This risks legitimising repression.”
Government Stands Firm
Despite criticism, government officials maintain that the bill is necessary to protect Uganda’s independence.
Minister of Information and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, defended the proposal, stating that foreign-funded entities have increasingly influenced domestic affairs.
“This law ensures no external force undermines our governance,” he said. “Sovereignty is not negotiable.”
However, critics question whether such measures are necessary in a system where the ruling party maintains a strong parliamentary majority.
What Comes Next
The Protection of Sovereignty Bill 2025 is expected to be tabled in Parliament imminently. Given the NRM’s dominance, its passage appears likely unless significant domestic and international pressure leads to amendments.
Civil society groups have begun mobilising public awareness campaigns, urging lawmakers to reconsider provisions they describe as overly broad and punitive.
As debate intensifies, the implications are becoming clearer.
“If this bill becomes law, a journalist citing a foreign report, a student receiving an international scholarship, or an organisation partnering globally could be criminalised,” Opiyo warned.
“That is not sovereignty. That is fear.”
Alexander Luyima is a journalist based in Kampala and a contributor to The Hoima Post, covering governance, human rights, and civil society in Uganda.
Editor’s Note
This article is part of The Hoima Post’s ongoing coverage of legislation affecting civic space and democratic governance in Uganda
