Uganda's parliament is advancing legislation that would impose harsh penalties for promoting what the government terms "foreign interests," drawing criticism from opposition figures and human rights organizations.

The Protection of Sovereignty Bill 2026 proposes prison sentences of up to 20 years for individuals found guilty of promoting foreign interests. The legislation also includes broad restrictions on people and organizations that work with or receive funding from overseas partners.

The bill is being fast-tracked through Uganda's parliament, with debate scheduled to conclude before the presidential swearing-in ceremony on May 12. The accelerated timeline has raised concerns among legal experts about the lack of thorough review and public consultation.

Opposition figures and human rights groups have condemned the proposed legislation as overly broad and potentially stifling legitimate activities. Critics argue that the vague language around "foreign interests" could be used to target civil society organizations, international partnerships, and development programs.

The legislation reflects a broader trend among some governments to impose restrictions on foreign-funded organizations and international cooperation, often citing national sovereignty concerns. Similar measures have been implemented in other countries in recent years, typically affecting non-governmental organizations and civil society groups that receive international funding.