Uganda: Museveni Quickly Assents to Protection of Sovereignty Act, 2026

Lead

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has signed the Protection of Sovereignty Act, 2026, into law, a move that the government says will safeguard national independence but which critics warn could stifle dissent and deter foreign investment. The legislation, passed by parliament earlier this month, criminalizes the promotion of foreign interests at the expense of Uganda's interests and imposes a maximum prison term of 10 years for violations, according to reports from Africa News.

Coverage Comparison

Coverage of the signing diverges in emphasis. AllAfrica, citing a statement from the Presidential Press Unit dated May 17, 2026, presents the legislation in neutral, official language, describing its purpose as providing "for the protection of the sovereignty of the people of Uganda" and designating the department responsible for peace and security in the Ministry of Internal Affairs as the implementing authority. The outlet highlights the government's perspective that the Act will "strengthen Uganda's capacity to safeguard its independence in national decision-making processes" and complement the country's broader development agenda.

In contrast, Africa News foregrounds the concerns of rights groups, journalists, and sections of the private sector, noting that the bill "sparked widespread concern" and quoting a former deputy attorney general who called for the legislation to be "shelved." The report also references Human Rights Watch's characterization of the law as mimicking "laws passed in Russia and allied countries, using deliberately vague terms that can be applied to any campaigner deemed a nuisance."

Key Claims

• President Museveni assented to the Protection of Sovereignty Act, 2026, according to multiple sources, including a statement from the Presidential Press Unit reported by AllAfrica and a separate report by Africa News.
• The law criminalizes the promotion of foreign interests at the expense of Uganda's interests, as reported by Africa News.
• The legislation carries a maximum imprisonment of 10 years, according to a single source (Africa News).
• The Act provides for the registration and regulation of agents of foreign entities and regulates funding and other forms of assistance to such agents, as detailed in the government statement cited by AllAfrica.
• The government expects the Act to strengthen Uganda's capacity to safeguard its independence and improve institutional coordination, per AllAfrica's report.
• Rights groups, journalists, and private sector representatives have expressed concern that the law could undermine freedoms and deter investment, according to Africa News.

Perspectives

Government officials, as reflected in AllAfrica's report, portray the law as a necessary measure to protect national sovereignty, enhance institutional coordination, and support Uganda's development agenda. They argue it will bring clarity to state authority and safeguard policy space amid international engagement.

Critics, including rights groups and opposition figures quoted by Africa News, contend that the legislation is overly broad and could be used to suppress legitimate activities by civil society and the media. Mwesigwa Rukutana, a former deputy attorney general, said the bill had been "opposed by almost all segments of society" and advised further consultations. Human Rights Watch drew comparisons to restrictive laws in Russia and allied countries, warning of vague terms that could be applied to campaigners.

The law's practical implications remain uncertain, as its implementation will depend on guidance from relevant state institutions within existing legal frameworks, as noted in the government statement. Observers will be watching to see how the Act is applied in practice and whether it affects Uganda's relationships with international partners and investors.