Uganda has recently enacted a significant new law called the Protection of Sovereignty Act of 2026. This legislation has quickly generated widespread debate both within Uganda and internationally. The law addresses a fundamental question for any nation: how to protect its own political, economic, and strategic decision-making from outside interference.
This Act is viewed by its proponents as a necessary measure for Uganda, though it is acknowledged that no law is without flaws. Its effectiveness will ultimately depend on how fairly, openly, and professionally it is carried out.
The primary aim of the Act is to establish a clear system for identifying, registering, and regulating individuals and organizations that operate on behalf of foreign entities within Uganda’s political and policy arenas.
Specifically, the law requires:
* Mandatory registration for any organization or person involved in political influence activities funded by foreign sources.
* Government approval and public disclosure for foreign funding above certain limits.
* It also introduces penalties for undeclared foreign influence activities and for actions that amount to economic sabotage.
Importantly, the Act clearly specifies what it does not target. It expressly protects legitimate activities such as money sent home by Ugandans living abroad, foreign investments, humanitarian assistance, academic collaborations, and lawful business transactions. These essential connections are not affected by the new regulations.
This law is rooted in Uganda’s historical experience, which includes a long past of external political, economic, and ideological pressures, both during its colonial period and after gaining independence. The Protection of Sovereignty Act is presented as a vital tool to ensure Uganda can autonomously determine its future, free from unwanted external influence, thereby reinforcing its national independence.