Government Introduces NGO Funding Bill as “National Sovereignty Bill”

The Ugandan government has introduced the proposed NGO Funding Bill under a new framing, referring to it as the National Sovereignty Bill, in a move officials say is aimed at protecting the country’s independence from external influence.

The development follows a meeting of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary caucus chaired by President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe on March 27, 2026, where the proposal—formally known as the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2025—received backing.

Government officials say the proposed law seeks to strengthen oversight of foreign funding, particularly funds directed to non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Under the bill, organisations would be required to declare all foreign funding, including its source, amount, and intended use, within a specified timeframe.

The proposed legislation also provides for limits on the proportion of foreign funding that NGOs can receive and gives authorities powers to block funds considered to be influencing political processes or undermining national sovereignty.

Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to safeguard Uganda’s national interests and prevent external actors from shaping domestic policies through financial support to local organisations.

However, the move to rebrand the NGO Funding Bill as a National Sovereignty Bill has intensified debate among stakeholders. Civil society organisations have expressed concern that the proposed law could increase state control over NGOs and restrict their operations, particularly in areas related to governance, human rights, and accountability.

The bill is expected to be tabled before Parliament, where it is likely to generate further debate as lawmakers weigh national security concerns against the need to preserve civic space.