Uganda copies Russian and Chinese laws to suppress dissent

Uganda’s Sovereignty Protection Bill 2026 is moving swiftly through parliament, expected to pass before the president’s swearing-in on May 12. The controversial bill sets a maximum sentence of 20 years for 'promoting foreign interests' and imposes restrictions on organizations and individuals that cooperate with or receive foreign funding.

Interior Minister General David Muhoozi insists the bill will bolster national security, economic stability, and social cohesion. However, opposition parties and human rights groups argue it is a replica of Russian and Chinese laws designed to curb civil society, the media, and the right to dissent.

Opposition leader Joel Ssenyonyi condemned the legislation: 'This is a copy of Russian and Chinese laws enacted to wipe out opposition and civil society organizations. It will not protect sovereignty; it will kill multiparty democracy, push thousands into poverty, and repel foreign investment.'

The bill uses vague, broad language, equating activities such as advocacy, journalism, and public debate with criminalized behavior. An earlier version even labeled Ugandans living abroad as 'foreigners,' but this was amended after public backlash.

The bill emerges amid rising political tension, with several opposition figures accused of links to foreign support, and human rights groups and media outlets suspended ahead of the January 2026 elections. President Yoweri Museveni has repeatedly warned about 'foreign interference,' asserting that Uganda is 'not a new colony.'

Human Rights Watch has urged Uganda’s parliament to reject the bill, warning it threatens fundamental rights. Key provisions cap foreign financial support exceeding 400 million Ugandan shillings (about £79,000) within 12 months and allow inspectors to access premises and documents.

The World Bank, in a letter to parliament, cautioned that the bill could criminalize many of its 'routine' development activities by classifying international organizations as 'foreigners.' Uganda receives hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign aid annually for health, education, and civil society. Economist Julius Mukunda warns that restrictions could reduce capital flows, weaken the shilling, and hamper growth.

In response to criticism, President Museveni dismissed concerns over remittances and investment as 'unnecessary noise,' but defended the core objective: 'Sovereignty means leave us alone. Don’t fund groups to influence our decisions.'

Amendments proposed by the attorney general have exempted financial institutions supervised by the central bank, medical facilities, educational institutions, and religious organizations. However, NGOs and other international partners may still be scrutinized if they are deemed to promote 'foreign interests against Uganda’s national interests.'

Critics reject government reassurances, calling the bill a 'constitutional coup.' Anthony Asiimwe, vice president of the Uganda Law Society, stressed: 'The bill replaces 'power belongs to the people' with 'power belongs to the government.' It doesn’t adapt to a changing world; it adapts the constitution to the fears of those in power. This is not a law for sovereignty; it is a law against the sovereignty of the Ugandan people.'