Gulu City, Uganda: The Gulu NGO Forum has issued a strong warning against the proposed Sovereignty Bill, saying the legislation could cripple civil society operations and undermine Uganda’s economy.
Speaking during a press briefing in Gulu City on Monday, the NGO Forum Programme Associate Kenneth Lubangakene described the bill as “dangerous in intent and destructive in impact,” cautioning that it risks isolating Uganda from key international partners.
“This bill is not just redundant; it is wicked in its intention. It is designed in a way that will suffocate civil society and isolate Uganda economically,” Lubangakene said.
Lubangakene warned that provisions restricting foreign funding could cripple service delivery across sectors such as health, education, and human rights, particularly in northern Uganda.
“Over 90 per cent of NGOs in this country rely on external support. If you cap funding and introduce excessive political approvals, you are essentially shutting down service delivery for ordinary Ugandans,” he said.
He added that the proposed law could send negative signals to investors and development partners. “We are sending a message to the international community that Uganda is closing its doors. That has consequences far beyond politics; it affects livelihoods,” he noted.
The proposed legislation, tabled by State Minister for Internal Affairs David Muhoozi, seeks to tighten regulation of foreign funding and influence on domestic policy.
Among its key provisions is a cap limiting organisations from receiving more than Shs400 million annually in external funding without ministerial approval.
Kilak South MP Gilbert Olanya criticized the bill, describing it as politically motivated and potentially punitive to dissenting voices.
“This bill is not about sovereignty, it is about control. It is targeted at opposition politicians, political parties, and NGOs that speak truth to power,” Olanya said.
He warned that the legislation could reverse democratic gains and worsen inequality. “We must ask ourselves: are we protecting sovereignty, or are we strangling accountability and civic participation? The clauses in this bill point to the latter,” he added.
Olanya emphasized that civil society organisations play a critical role in supplementing government services. “When you touch NGOs, you are touching health programmes, education initiatives, and community support systems. You cannot separate politics from people’s welfare,” he said.
The Sovereignty Bill has triggered growing national debate, with civil society groups and opposition leaders calling for wider consultations before it proceeds in Parliament.
Stakeholders warn that its outcome could significantly reshape Uganda’s relationship with international partners and redefine the operating space for NGOs.
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