Ugandans Slam Proposed Sovereignty Bill Critics Say Mirrors Russia’s Foreign Agents Law
Uganda’s proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill 2026 has drawn fierce criticism from rights groups, lawyers, and opposition politicians who say it mirrors Russia’s controversial foreign agents legislation and would severely restrict civil society, free speech, and media freedom in the East African nation.
Human Rights Watch issued a statement this week saying the bill contains sweeping provisions that would prohibit a foreign agent from promoting the interests of foreigners, with foreigners defined broadly to include any foreign organization or government. NGOs, media outlets, and human rights defenders working with international partners could find themselves classified as foreign agents under the proposed law.
International Center for Non-Profit Law analysis notes the bill authorizes burdensome and intrusive reporting requirements on foreign funding. Any organization deemed an agent of a foreigner would be required to declare its sources of funds and file regular returns with government authorities.
Ugandan civil society has organized protests against the bill in Kampala, with thousands taking to the streets in recent weeks. Critics say the legislation is an attempt to silence dissent ahead of upcoming elections and to crack down on organizations that have been critical of the Museveni government.
The government, through the Ministry of Internal Affairs, has defended the bill as necessary to protect Uganda’s sovereignty from foreign interference. It says the legislation is modeled on similar laws in other countries and is intended to increase transparency rather than suppress rights.
A small silver lining emerged as reports surfaced that the government quietly edited the bill to narrow the foreign agent definition, excluding Ugandan citizens from being classified as foreigners. Rights groups cautioned that the changes do not address the fundamental problems with the legislation.
The bill is currently before Parliament and is expected to face further debate before any vote.