A new Ugandan bill set for parliamentary debate has triggered widespread alarm for its sweeping powers to label citizens and organizations as “foreign agents.” The “Protection of Sovereignty Bill” criminalizes activities deemed to advance foreign interests, threatening prison terms of up to 20 years. Critics say the measure mirrors Russian legislation used to suppress opposition, and warn it could devastate Uganda’s economy by restricting diaspora remittances and donor funding.
Lawyers, bankers, and activists have denounced the bill as unconstitutional and “ridiculous,” with the central bank governor cautioning it could reverse decades of financial progress. President Museveni intervened to call for revisions, though he defended the principle of limiting foreign influence in politics. Rights groups argue the law is designed to shield the regime from dissent, not protect citizens, underscoring Uganda’s deepening authoritarian trajectory.
Source: Newstimehub
