KAMPALA — Uganda’s Parliament is facing growing scrutiny over the proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2025, with critics arguing it closely mirrors earlier efforts to regulate foreign funding to non-governmental organisations.
The draft law, backed by members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus, seeks to establish a broad framework for managing foreign influence while reinforcing national autonomy across key sectors.
Proponents say the bill is necessary to safeguard Uganda’s institutions from external interference. Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua recently defended the proposal, saying stronger legal measures are needed to ensure foreign resources do not undermine national decision-making.
Early provisions indicate the bill would require organisations to declare foreign funding within 14 days, expand the oversight powers of the Minister of Internal Affairs, and introduce safeguards against activities deemed harmful to Uganda’s sovereignty.
However, analysts and civil society actors argue the legislation is not entirely new. Instead, they say it appears to be a reworked version of earlier NGO funding control proposals, citing similarities in language, intent, and enforcement mechanisms.
“It’s essentially the same framework with adjusted wording,” one civil society analyst noted. “The central focus remains on regulating foreign funding, particularly for NGOs, while expanding state oversight.”
The debate has also drawn attention to broader conversations around NGO regulation. Reporting by New Vision earlier this month highlighted calls for clearer legal structures to guide the operations and funding of community-based organisations and local NGOs.
Observers say the overlap between the two policy directions has fueled concerns about whether the sovereignty bill represents a distinct legislative shift or a continuation of existing regulatory ambitions under a different name.
Opposition voices warn that sweeping provisions could restrict civic space and affect organisations working in sectors such as health, education, and community development. They argue that tighter controls on funding and operations may limit independence and innovation.
Supporters, however, maintain that transparency and accountability in foreign financing are standard practices globally and essential for aligning external support with national priorities.
As the bill moves through parliamentary processes—including committee review, public consultations, and debate—its final shape is expected to have far-reaching implications for Uganda’s governance, civil society, and engagement with international partners.
