KAMPALA – Uganda’s parliament moved to fast-track a controversial “Protection of Sovereignty Bill” on Friday, a piece of legislation that critics warn could effectively dismantle the country’s civil society and isolate it from international partners.
The bill, which proposes up to 20 years in prison for individuals or organizations deemed to be promoting “foreign interests” against the state, is expected to pass before the presidential swearing-in ceremony on May 12.
Rights groups and opposition leaders have characterized the law as a “constitutional coup.” “Passing this bill will turn our country into an international pariah,” warned Julius Mukunda of the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group.
President Yoweri Museveni has defended the measure, arguing it is necessary to curb foreign interference in Uganda’s domestic politics.
However, economists warn the move could jeopardize hundreds of millions of dollars in external financing that currently sustains the nation’s health and education sectors.
