President Yoweri Museveni has defended the newly passed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, congratulating ruling party legislators while warning against what he described as dangerous foreign interference in Uganda’s internal affairs.
In a message issued after Parliament approved the Bill on Tuesday, Museveni praised National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament for backing the legislation, framing it as a necessary step to safeguard the country’s independence.
“Fellow Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu, this is to congratulate the NRM MPs for passing the Sovereignty Bill,” Museveni said.
“It simply means ‘let us do our things by ourselves just as you do your own things without anybody interfering with you.’”
The President’s remarks come after Parliament passed the Bill with an overwhelming majority, marking a significant legislative milestone.
The law seeks to regulate foreign influence in Uganda’s political and civic space, particularly targeting individuals and entities acting on behalf of external interests.
Museveni dismissed critics of the law, expressing frustration at opposition to the measure.
“How shameful and disgusting to see people arguing otherwise,” he said, adding that foreign interference remains a serious threat to national stability.
To reinforce his argument, Museveni referenced historical events, particularly the 1971 military coup that brought Idi Amin to power.
He claimed that foreign actors played a role in the overthrow of then-President Milton Obote, citing support from Israeli and British interests.
According to Museveni, the coup disrupted Uganda’s political and economic trajectory at a time when the country was making progress and strengthening regional cooperation.
“By 1969, Uganda’s economy had grown by 11 percent,” he noted. “We were working towards East African cooperation and the liberation of Africa, but foreigners brought in Idi Amin, who had no idea about these issues.”
Museveni argued that the consequences of the coup were severe, leading to years of instability and loss of life.
“We had to spend eight years and a lot of deaths to solve the problem created for us by others,” he said.
The President’s strong stance reflects the broader government position that the Sovereignty Bill is intended to protect Uganda from external manipulation.
However, the legislation has sparked debate among lawmakers, civil society groups, and economic stakeholders.
Critics have raised concerns that the law could be used to limit dissent and restrict civic space, while also potentially affecting foreign funding and partnerships.
Earlier warnings from financial authorities suggested that strict controls could discourage remittances and investment.
Despite these concerns, the version passed by Parliament was revised to narrow its scope. It now primarily targets “agents of foreigners” involved in political influence activities, while allowing legitimate financial flows such as trade, investment, and diaspora remittances to continue under a declaration system.
The Bill now awaits presidential assent, a step widely expected to formalize it into law.
Museveni urged Ugandans to reflect on the country’s past as they debate the legislation.
“Therefore, as you discuss these issues, remember some of these tragedies,” he said, reiterating his support for the MPs who backed the Bill.