Ugandan Civil Society Rejects Sovereignty Bill Citing Risks to Dissent and Investment

Civil society groups in Uganda are speaking out forcefully against a proposed “Protection of Sovereignty Bill,” warning that the legislation could seriously restrict freedom of expression, discourage foreign investment and damage the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.

At a press conference on Monday, former cabinet minister Miria Matembe did not hold back as she criticised the unusually rapid pace at which the controversial bill is being moved through parliament. “I have never seen such a controversial, widely rejected bill being rushed to be debated within two days,” she said.

The draft law would make it a criminal offence to engage in any activity seen as promoting “the interests of a foreigner against the interests of Uganda.” It would also require individuals and organisations receiving foreign funding to register as “foreign agents.”

Critics argue the vague wording gives the government broad powers that could easily be misused to target opposition voices and non-governmental organisations. The bill has sparked mixed reactions across the country. Some Ugandans support the idea of tighter controls on foreign money but many ordinary citizens are worried about the potential fallout.

Also, rights groups, journalists and parts of the private sector have raised serious alarms that the bill could undermine basic freedoms and make Uganda less attractive to international donors and investors.

They fear its broad provisions might be used to clamp down on legitimate advocacy work, human rights monitoring and development programmes that rely on external support. The controversy comes at a sensitive moment, with ongoing debates about civic space and foreign influence in Uganda.

Supporters of the bill insist it is necessary to protect national interests and prevent outside meddling in domestic affairs. Opponents, however, say it risks isolating the country and weakening organisations that provide vital services in health, education and governance.

The government has not yet given a detailed response to the latest round of criticism, but the bill’s quick movement through legislative channels suggests it has strong support in certain quarters.

For many ordinary Ugandans already struggling with daily economic pressures, the debate feels far removed from their immediate concerns, yet any drop in foreign support could have real consequences for jobs, services and family incomes.

The coming days of parliamentary debate will be watched closely both inside Uganda and by international partners. The final outcome could have lasting implications for the country’s democratic space, its relationship with development partners and its appeal as an investment destination in East Africa.

Civil society leaders say they will keep mobilising public opinion and engaging with lawmakers in the hope of preventing what they see as a dangerous precedent that could roll back Uganda’s progress toward more open and accountable governance.