What the Protection of Sovereignty Law, 2026 Means After Museveni’s Assent

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has this evening assented to the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, officially bringing it into law.

The new legislation is aimed at strengthening the protection of Uganda’s sovereignty by setting out measures to safeguard national decision-making processes and regulate the activities of foreign-linked actors within the country.

According to the provisions of the law, it will:

1. Provide for the protection of the sovereignty of the people of Uganda
2. Designate the Department responsible for peace and security in the Ministry of Internal Affairs as the implementing authority
3. Establish a framework for the registration and regulation of agents of foreign entities
4. Regulate funding and other forms of assistance to such agents, among other related matters

With presidential assent secured, the Act now becomes operational and will guide implementation by relevant state institutions in accordance with existing legal and policy frameworks.

Authorities say the law is expected to strengthen Uganda’s capacity to protect its independence in national decision-making, improve coordination among state institutions, and enhance overall governance and accountability systems.

It is also anticipated to support broader national development goals, including economic transformation, improved public sector efficiency, and the protection of national policy space as Uganda continues to engage with regional and international partners.