President Museveni signs Sovereignty Bill into law

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 LEGISLATION 

President  Museveni on Sunday evening assented to the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, formally making it a law.

This is after the 11th Parliament, chaired by outgoing Speaker Anita Among, passed the Bill earlier in May after hours of debate among legislators.

It passed legislation adopted amendments that significantly narrowed its scope, removed contentious provisions and introduced safeguards aimed at aligning the law with the Constitution and existing regulatory frameworks.

The law aims to defend Uganda’s sovereignty by controlling unlawful foreign interference in the country’s political, security, and economic affairs while safeguarding legitimate investment, trade, humanitarian efforts, and academic collaborations.

It also designates the department responsible for peace and security in the internal affairs ministry as the implementing authority.

It provides for the registration and regulation of agents of foreign entities. It regulates funding and other forms of assistance to such agents and for related matters.  

With the presidential assent, the Bill now becomes law and will guide implementation by the relevant state institutions in line with existing legal and policy frameworks.  

The Protection of Sovereignty Act is expected to strengthen Uganda’s capacity to safeguard its independence in national decision-making processes, while further entrenching the constitutional principle that governance and development priorities remain anchored in national interest.

It is also anticipated to improve clarity in the management of state authority, enhance institutional coordination, and support ongoing efforts to promote stability, accountability, and orderly governance.

In addition, the law is seen as complementing Uganda’s broader development agenda, particularly in advancing economic transformation, improving public sector efficiency, and safeguarding national policy space as the country continues to engage with regional and international partners.

Parliament passed the legislation on May 6 after a series of debates on the floor of the House.

Several sections of the Opposition success demanded for its withdrawal, without success. The Opposition in five minority reports warned that the Bill’s flaws go beyond drafting and could fundamentally threaten civil liberties.

Ahead of the  ruling on the Bill, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka told Parliament that the legislation had been substantially revised and issues that previously caused trouble have been substantially amended.

During the committee meeting, Kiwanuka introduced 18 amendments to address public concerns.  

He told the House chaired by Among that the Bill now focuses on non-citizens and those acting on behalf of foreign political interests.