Uganda's New Sovereignty Bill Sparks Fears of Repression

African coverage presents Uganda’s Sovereignty Bill as a clash between leaders who say they are defending national independence and critics who fear a clampdown on dissent. Government allies in Kampala argue that Western donors and foreign governments have used funding to influence domestic politics, while opposition figures insist existing laws already cover security concerns. Commentators in the region expect a tough parliamentary battle and warn that how the NRM handles the bill will shape Uganda’s political space for years.

• •Ugandan ministers backing the Sovereignty Bill argue that foreign governments use NGO funding to meddle in Uganda’s politics.
• •Supporters in the NRM say the bill will give the state clearer powers to monitor and restrict foreign money entering sensitive sectors.
• •Opposition politicians in Uganda insist that security and treason laws already allow the state to deal with genuine threats.
• •Regional commentators warn that the bill could be applied broadly against media houses and civic groups that criticise the government.
• •Some African analysts say other governments in the region may watch Uganda’s bill as a possible model for their own controls.