KAMPALA — Government has introduced fresh amendments to the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, dropping a controversial proposal that had sought to classify Ugandans living abroad as foreign agents.
Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Minister of State for Internal Affairs David Muhoozi on Thursday returned to Parliament’s Joint Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and Defence and Internal Affairs to present the revised proposals following stakeholder consultations.
The earlier draft had drawn concern from the diaspora community and civil society organisations, particularly over provisions that could subject Ugandans abroad to heightened scrutiny under the proposed law.
In the revised version, lawmakers have narrowed the definition of a “foreigner,” limiting it to individuals and entities directly involved in activities specified under the Bill.
Under the amendment, a foreigner is defined as a person who “engages, undertakes, supervises, controls, finances or subsidises” activities outlined in the legislation. The definition includes non-Ugandan citizens, foreign governments, diplomatic missions, corporations registered outside Uganda, and international organisations.
The changes signal a shift from the government’s earlier position, which critics had argued risked overreaching into the affairs of Ugandans living outside the country.
Officials told the committee that the revisions were informed by feedback from stakeholders and were intended to strike a balance between safeguarding national sovereignty and protecting legitimate civic and economic engagement.
The Joint Committee is expected to continue scrutinising the Bill clause by clause as legislators assess its potential impact on governance, civil liberties, and Uganda’s international relations.
The Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026 remains under consideration, with further amendments possible before it is tabled for debate and eventual passage in Parliament.