The government has introduced major amendments to the controversial Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, ahead of a plenary sitting scheduled for May 4, 2026.
Among the key changes is the removal of a proposal that would have classified Ugandan citizens living abroad as foreigners, a clause that had drawn widespread criticism.
Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka presented the proposed amendments on April 30 before a joint sitting of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee and the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee. He appeared alongside Minister of State for Internal Affairs David Muhoozi.
One of the most significant revisions is the redefinition of a “foreigner.” The original draft included Ugandan citizens residing abroad, but this has now been deleted.
Under the amended version, a foreigner is defined as a person or entity involved in activities outlined in the Bill, including non-citizens, foreign governments, corporations registered outside Uganda, and international organizations.
The change follows concerns that the earlier definition could unfairly target Ugandans in the diaspora, who contribute significantly to the economy through remittances and investments.
The definition of an “agent of a foreigner” has also been narrowed. Previously broad wording that included anyone associated with or funded by foreign entities has been replaced with a focus on individuals directly engaged in activities specified under the law.
Additionally, a clause that listed activities such as employing or contracting individuals to promote foreign interests as disruptive has been removed. This is expected to ease fears that legitimate partnerships, advocacy, or employment linked to foreign funding could be criminalized.
The Attorney General also proposed limiting ministerial powers by deleting a provision that allowed the minister to declare any person or institution a foreigner through a statutory instrument.
Further, a clause permitting exemptions for certain foreign funding to government institutions has been removed.
Other updated definitions include “foreign policy,” now described as a policy developed by a foreign entity but not adopted by the Ugandan government, and “government policy,” defined as official decisions or actions issued in line with the Constitution and national laws.
During the committee discussions, some Members of Parliament, including Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, expressed concern that both the Bill and its amendments were being rushed.
Committee Chairperson Stephen Baka Mugabi also raised questions about whether politicians receiving foreign funding could be classified as foreign agents.
In response, Minister David Muhoozi clarified that Ugandan citizenship does not exempt anyone from liability under the law.
President Yoweri Museveni also addressed public concerns, stating that the Bill was being misunderstood and does not aim to block foreign direct investment, remittances, or support to religious institutions.