Protection of Uganda's sovereignty through regulation of foreign agents, funding, foreign policy, electoral interference, and government operations.
Introduction and Application
- Defines key terms: agent of foreigner, foreigner, department, disruptive activities, person, and currency point.
- Applies to persons acting as foreign agents, including political activities, funding, representation, and influence.
- Also covers representatives of diplomatic missions, with specific provisions.
Administrative and Functional Provisions
- Minister responsible for internal affairs oversees the Act.
- Department for peace and security reviews applications, issues registration certificates, and develops guidelines.
- Department consults other government agencies and co-opts advisors.
- Certificates of registration are valid for two years, renewable, with grounds for suspension or revocation.
Protection of Sovereignty
- People of Uganda hold sovereignty over social, economic, and political policies.
- Activities promoting foreign interests against Uganda are offenses, with fines and imprisonment.
- Government functions are to be exercised only with approval; unauthorized exercise is an offense.
- Development and implementation of government policy must be approved by Cabinet.
- Foreign policy must promote national interests, respect international law, and oppose domination.
- Promotion of foreign policies not adopted by Cabinet is prohibited.
- Interference with electoral processes and government operations by foreigners is illegal.
- Economic sabotage, such as damaging the economy or destabilizing the country, is criminal.
Registration of Foreign Agents
- Persons acting as foreign agents must register with the Department and obtain a certificate.
- Application requires detailed personal, business, and foreign activity information.
- Certificates are issued based on suitability, with a two-year validity.
- Grounds for refusal, suspension, or revocation include misconduct, false information, or security threats.
Regulation of Foreign Funding
- Foreign agents must declare sources of funding; false declarations are offenses.
- Foreign funding over 20,000 currency points in 12 months requires Minister’s approval.
- Receiving or soliciting foreign funds for disruptive activities is criminal.
- Foreign funding to government institutions is considered public funds unless exempted.
- Regular reporting and submission of returns on foreign operations are mandatory.
General Provisions
- Ministries and agencies assist the Minister.
- Inspection of foreign agents’ premises is permitted.
- Regulations may prescribe penalties up to 2,000 currency points or 7 years imprisonment.
- The Schedule defines a currency point as equivalent to 20,000 shillings.
READ MORE ON THE PROTECTION OF SOVEREIGNTY BILL, 2026: The protection of sovereignty bill,2026 
