President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has signed the Protection of Sovereignty Act, 2026 into law, handing the Ugandan government sweeping new powers to monitor, regulate and potentially restrict individuals and organizations linked to foreign entities in what is likely to ignite fierce political and diplomatic debate.
The law, assented to on Saturday evening, is being presented by State House as a strategic shield against external interference in Uganda’s internal affairs.
But its broad provisions are already expected to raise alarm among civil society organizations, opposition groups, foreign-funded NGOs and international development partners operating in the country.
The new legislation seeks to “protect the sovereignty of the people of Uganda” by establishing tighter state oversight over agents of foreign entities, including their registration, funding and operations.
The law designates the Department responsible for peace and security under the Ministry of Internal Affairs as the key implementing authority, effectively placing sensitive oversight powers in the hands of the state security apparatus.
In hardline language that signals Kampala’s growing suspicion of foreign influence, the government says the Act will strengthen Uganda’s “independence in national decision-making processes” and ensure that governance remains anchored in “national interest.”
The development comes amid increasing tensions between the Ugandan government and sections of Western governments, international rights groups and foreign-funded civil society organizations, many of which have repeatedly criticized Kampala over governance, corruption, human rights abuses and electoral conduct.
Political analysts say the law could dramatically reshape the operating environment for NGOs, advocacy groups and foreign missions, especially those involved in governance, accountability and democracy-related programs.
Critics are likely to compare the legislation to controversial “foreign agents” laws enacted in countries such as Russia and Georgia, where governments introduced strict controls over organizations receiving foreign support.
Government officials, however, insist the law is about protecting Uganda from external manipulation and safeguarding strategic national interests.
State House argues that the Act will also improve institutional coordination, strengthen accountability and support “orderly governance” as Uganda pushes forward with its economic transformation agenda.
The law further positions itself as part of a broader state effort to preserve Uganda’s policy independence while engaging with international and regional partners.
The signing of the Act is expected to trigger intense scrutiny both locally and internationally, with attention now shifting to how aggressively the government will enforce the new provisions and which organizations or individuals could find themselves targeted under the law.
For President Museveni’s administration, the message appears unmistakable: Uganda’s sovereignty, politics and policy direction are no longer open to what the government sees as unchecked foreign influence.
