Parliament is under renewed scrutiny following the introduction of the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2025, legislation aimed at strengthening Uganda’s control over foreign influence and asserting national autonomy.

Backed by members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus, the bill seeks to ensure that foreign resources and activities within Uganda align with national interests. Key provisions include mandatory disclosure of foreign funding within 14 days, expanded oversight powers for the Minister of Internal Affairs, and mechanisms to prevent actions perceived as undermining national sovereignty.

Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua stressed the importance of the legislation: “If we are to protect the integrity of our institutions and the sovereignty of our people, we must build legal safeguards that help us assert control over how foreign resources interact with our national systems.”

However, observers note that the bill bears striking resemblance to earlier NGO funding regulations. Reports indicate that the bill mirrors previous measures targeting NGOs, particularly in requiring disclosure of foreign funding and granting the Minister of Internal Affairs broad regulatory authority.

“It appears the NGO funding approach has simply been modified. The wording has shifted, but the main goals remain the same — monitoring foreign funding, controlling NGOs, and expanding ministerial powers,” a civil society analyst said.

Opposition figures and rights advocates have voiced concerns that the legislation could further restrict civic space, potentially limiting the independent operations of NGOs working in health, education, and community development.