Rights organisations, media professionals and business groups have strongly condemned a proposed law in Uganda, accusing it of echoing Russia’s “foreign agents” legislation that is often used to restrict dissent.
Uganda has been governed for four decades under President Yoweri Museveni, whose rule has increasingly been described as authoritarian.
The 81-year-old leader secured re-election in January following an election period marked by an internet blackout and a crackdown on opposition figures, which forced his main challenger, Bobi Wine, into hiding.
Opponents argue that the new “Protection of Sovereignty Bill” could become a fresh tool for targeting political critics.
The draft law makes it a crime to advance the “interests of a foreigner against the interests of Uganda” and empowers authorities to classify anyone receiving foreign funding as a “foreign agent.”
Convictions under the proposed legislation could attract prison terms of up to 20 years.
It also controversially categorises Ugandans living abroad as “foreigners,” a provision rights groups say violates the constitution and could affect thousands in the diaspora who regularly send remittances home.
Parliament is expected to review the bill next week.
Despite mounting opposition from civil society and even some members within the ruling party, the legislation is likely to pass due to the strong majority held by Museveni allies.
Former deputy attorney general and ex-finance minister Mwesigwa Rukutana said opposition to the bill is widespread across society.
He advised authorities to hold broader consultations to amend the draft or “make it less toxic or better still, shelve it.”
Human Rights Watch has argued that the proposal closely mirrors laws in Russia and allied states, warning that its vague wording could be used against almost any activist or campaigner.
According to Job Kiija, deputy director of the Ugandan think tank Innovations for Democratic Engagement and Action, such laws are not about public protection.
He told AFP that from Russia to Nicaragua, these measures are designed to shield governments from their own citizens rather than protect the population.
Lawyer and activist Agather Atuhaire also criticised the bill, describing it as “stupid and ridiculous to the point that it will collapse the entire economy.”
She added that, under its definitions, the government itself could be considered a foreign agent due to the level of external donor support it receives.
Concerns have also emerged from the financial sector, with bankers and private industry warning of potential economic consequences.
Central bank governor Michael Atingi-Ego told parliament that the bill could significantly reduce foreign inflows and undo decades of progress in financial development.
President Museveni later stepped in on Thursday, stating that the legislation should be revised to avoid restricting capital inflows, although he defended provisions aimed at limiting what he described as foreign political influence.
He wrote on X that true independence allows countries to make and learn from their own mistakes, while warning against external funding aimed at influencing national decisions.