Kampala, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni has commended the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament for passing the controversial Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, describing the legislation as necessary to shield Uganda from foreign interference.
In a statement addressed to Ugandans on Wednesday, Mr Museveni defended the law and criticized those opposing it. “This is to congratulate the NRM MPs for passing the Sovereignty Bill which simply means ‘let us do our things by ourselves just as you do your own things without anybody interfering with you,’” Museveni stated.
The President described foreign involvement in Uganda’s internal affairs as “dangerous,” arguing that history has shown the risks of external influence in national politics.
The Bill, which was approved by Parliament late Tuesday evening, May 5, 2026, seeks to insulate Uganda’s political and economic systems from what the government describes as “unwarranted foreign interference.”
The legislation introduces a mandatory registration regime for individuals and organizations classified as “agents of foreigners” and establishes government oversight over foreign funding exceeding Shs400 million.
While earlier drafts attracted criticism for being overly broad, lawmakers passed amendments protecting diaspora remittances and legitimate humanitarian aid operations.
Opposition leaders and civil society organisations argue that provisions relating to “economic sabotage” could potentially be used to silence dissent and restrict civic activity.
Below is President Museveni’s full statement
“Fellow Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu. Greetings.
This is to congratulate the NRM MPs for passing the Sovereignty Bill which simply means “mutuleke tukole ebyaffe ngamwe bwemukola ebyamwe wataliwo okubayingilila” (let us do our things by ourselves just as you do your own things without anybody interfering with you).
How shameful and disgusting to see people arguing otherwise!! Foreigners interfering in our internal issues, is very dangerous. You want examples? I will give you one today that I gave to the Cabinet the other day. It is how the Israelis led by one Barak and the British supported Idi Amin’s coup in 1971 because Obote was vocal in opposing their policy on Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). Indeed, Edward Heath, the British Prime Minister, recognized Amin after only 10 days.
Many of us had had problems with Obote ever since 1962. However, by this time we were beginning to work together, especially for the realization of the East African Federation and Co-operation and for the liberation of the whole of Africa- Mozambique, Angola, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Sao Tome, Guinea-Bissau, etc., etc.
Bazilio Bataringaya, the former DP strong-man, was now with Obote. Indeed, the economy of Uganda in 1969, grew by 11%. Now these foreigners bring in Idi Amin who had no idea about all these issues. We had to spend 8 years and a lot of deaths in order to solve the problem created for us by others.
Therefore, as you discuss these issues, remember some of these tragedies. Congratulations to the NRM MPs.
Signed:
Yoweri K. Museveni
Ssaabalwanyi”
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