By Swift Reporter
The Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has cautioned the Governor of the Bank of Uganda over public comments linked to the recently passed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026.
In a brief post responding to a Reuters Africa report on the legislation, Gen. Muhoozi said: “My friend the Governor of the Central Bank should be careful about his statements.”
The Reuters report had indicated that Uganda’s Parliament passed the law aimed at addressing alleged foreign influence, following revisions to earlier provisions that had attracted wide public debate, including concerns raised about potential economic implications.
The remarks came shortly after Parliament passed the Bill on Tuesday during a highly charged sitting characterized by extended debate, procedural disagreements, and strong contributions from both government and opposition lawmakers.
The legislation, which underwent several amendments before passage, initially contained provisions that drew significant attention from different stakeholders. Among the most discussed was a clause relating to the classification of Ugandan citizens living abroad, which was later removed following consultations and public feedback.
The final version of the Bill narrows the definition of a “foreigner” to individuals or entities involved in activities considered harmful to Uganda’s sovereignty, including foreign governments, multinational organisations, and non-citizens engaged in specified conduct.
The Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, presented revised provisions to Parliament, including adjustments to the definition of an “agent of a foreigner,” with emphasis placed on direct involvement in prohibited activities rather than association or funding relationships alone. Other clauses relating to criminalising legitimate collaborations and granting broad ministerial powers to designate foreign agents were also dropped during the revision process.
During the debate, several Members of Parliament, including opposition legislators, raised concerns about the pace and scope of the legislation, calling for broader consultations on its potential legal and economic effects. Government, however, maintained that the amendments reflected feedback received during committee stages and aimed to balance national sovereignty with continued engagement in global partnerships.
State Minister for Internal Affairs David Muhoozi reiterated during the discussions that the law would apply uniformly where individuals or entities are found to be involved in activities prohibited under the Act, regardless of nationality.
President Yoweri Museveni has previously defended the Bill, stating that its intent is to safeguard Uganda’s sovereignty while ensuring that legitimate foreign investment, cooperation, and diaspora relations remain unaffected.
With the Bill now passed by Parliament, attention is expected to shift to its implementation and regulatory guidelines as stakeholders continue to assess its broader implications for governance, international engagement, and economic relations.
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