GOVERNMENT ‘QUIETLY EDITS’ SOVEREIGNTY BILL, NARROWS ‘FOREIGN AGENT’ DEFINITION AMID CRITICISM

Fresh amendments to the Protection of Sovereignty Bill significantly redefine who qualifies as a “foreign agent,” introduce exemptions for key sectors, and require proof of intent—changes likely to reshape the ongoing debate around the controversial law.

NILE POST

The government has tabled sweeping amendments to the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, currently before Parliament’s Legal and Defence Committee, in a move that substantially alters key provisions of the proposed law.

The controversial bill, scheduled for Tuesday showdown in Parliament, was not withdrawn and, instead, amid the storm in its wake, the Attorney General amended certain clauses that have met with strong objections.

The revisions come after the committee had concluded hearing from stakeholders, prompting what observers describe as a near overhaul of the bill, particularly around the definition and scope of a “foreign agent.”

Under the proposed changes, the definition of a foreign agent has been narrowed to exclude Ugandan citizens from being classified as foreigners.

The amendment instead defines a foreign agent as a person acting as an agent, representative, or employee of a foreigner—operating under their direction or control and receiving financing or subsidies from them.

The government has also revised Clause Two to expand the scope of regulated activities. These now include actions deemed to further the interests of a foreigner against Uganda’s national interest, as well as engagement in political activities.

The inclusion of political activity raises potential implications for political organisations, which may be required to demonstrate that any funding received does not advance foreign interests at the expense of national priorities.

In a significant shift, the amendments introduce exemptions for a wide range of regulated institutions. These include financial institutions, professional bodies such as the Uganda Law Society, broadcasters, and other entities supervised by regulatory authorities.

Health facilities, academic and research institutions, and faith-based organisations are also exempted—provided that funds received are used strictly for licensed, commercial, or mission-related purposes such as healthcare delivery, research, education, or religious activities.

The amendments further clarify that lawful financial inflows—including foreign direct investment, diaspora remittances, trade financing, grants, and humanitarian assistance—will not fall under the restrictions of the bill unless they are reasonably suspected to be linked to prohibited activities.

This clarification appears aimed at easing concerns from investors and development partners about potential disruptions to legitimate financial flows into the country.

At the same time, the Attorney General has introduced a requirement to prove criminal intent in enforcement of the law.

The insertion of the words “who intentionally” under Clause Five means that only individuals proven to have deliberately promoted foreign interests against Uganda’s national interest can be held criminally liable.

Additionally, the amendments replace the broader term “a person” with “an agent of a foreigner,” further tightening the scope of who can be prosecuted under the law.

The Minister in charge has also been granted powers to expand the list of exempted entities through regulations, allowing flexibility in implementation as new concerns emerge.

The latest changes are likely to influence ongoing scrutiny of the bill, which has drawn mixed reactions from lawmakers, civil society, and religious groups over concerns about its potential impact on civil liberties, political activity, and foreign funding.

Parliament’s Legal and Defence Committee is expected to review the amendments before presenting its final report to the House.