Politics 2 May 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka Proposes Major Revisions to Sovereignty Bill Amid Backlash
Uganda's Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka has introduced extensive amendments to the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, responding to criticism from banks, lawyers, religious groups, and civil society. The changes narrow the bill's scope to foreign agents influencing politics, exempt legitimate financial flows, and eliminate broad ministerial powers. Source: https://observer.ug/news/attorney-general-now-proposes-sweeping-changes-to-sovereignty-bill
The Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, presented sweeping changes to the controversial Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, during parliamentary hearings. This move indicates a government shift away from the bill’s most disputed elements, which drew sharp opposition from the banking sector, legal experts, religious leaders, and civil society.
Critics had highlighted vague terms and excessive authority given to the Minister of Internal Affairs, fearing impacts on free speech, civil society operations, foreign investments, and remittances. President Yoweri Museveni also intervened via a letter, questioning the version under review and directing focus on policy sovereignty without interfering in private enterprise or church funds.
Kiwanuka, appearing with State Minister for Defence David Muhoozi, addressed public memoranda. The revisions limit the bill to ‘agents of a foreigner’ engaging in political activities via any means, including digital platforms, to advance foreign interests.
Prohibited actions now include receiving foreign funds to sway legislation, policy, or elections; lobbying officials; or sponsoring groups for foreign agendas. Ugandans can freely critique policies unless acting as foreign agents.
To protect legitimate transactions, exemptions cover banks, health facilities, schools, faith groups, FDI, diaspora remittances, trade finance, aid, and other lawful inflows. No prior ministerial approval is needed; agents must declare funds above thresholds.
Key tweaks refine definitions: ‘foreigner’ ties to prohibited acts, not nationality; diaspora Ugandans are excluded. Discretionary ministerial designations are removed, and criminal liability requires proven intent.
These updates respond to stakeholder warnings about harming Uganda’s economy and services, with many issues already addressed by laws like the Public Finance Management Act and Anti-Money Laundering Act. The changes will feature in the joint committee’s report to parliament soon.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)