A growing wave of opposition from Ugandans living abroad is placing Parliament’s proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026 under increased scrutiny, with critics warning that its current drafting risks redefining citizens in the diaspora as “foreigners.”
At the centre of the controversy is a provision in the Bill aimed at curbing foreign interference but which, in Clause 1, categorises Ugandan citizens living outside the country as foreigners.
The Uganda Global Forum, led by Executive Director Gloria Nalule, presented formal objections to the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs and the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee through a virtual submission.
The diaspora community, which contributes an estimated $2.5 billion annually in remittances—about 3.8% of Uganda’s GDP—warns that the Bill could destabilise household support systems and discourage investment flows.
For many of the estimated 2.5 million Ugandans living abroad, the classification is seen as a fundamental challenge to their citizenship identity.
“We cannot be defined as foreigners elsewhere and also at home. Are we stateless?” one diaspora representative questioned during consultations.
Nalule and other leaders argue that residency abroad should not alter citizenship status, calling for amendments that clearly distinguish Non-Resident Ugandans from foreign entities or agents.
Beyond questions of identity, stakeholders also raised concern over administrative provisions they say could criminalise ordinary family financial support.
Clauses 14 and 15 propose that individuals in Uganda who receive or manage funds on behalf of relatives abroad may be required to register as “Agents of a Foreigner.” Critics warn this could affect routine transactions such as remittances for medical care or construction support in rural areas.
They argue that such requirements may push citizens toward informal channels, potentially reducing financial transparency and undermining foreign exchange inflows.
Further concern has been raised over Clause 13, which seeks to criminalise publication of information deemed to “weaken or damage the economic system.” Analysts caution that the provision could be interpreted broadly, potentially affecting journalism, academic research, and economic commentary.
In response, the Uganda Global Forum and allied stakeholders have proposed six key amendments.
These include excluding Non-Resident Ugandans from the definition of foreigners, protecting legitimate journalism and research, and exempting family remittances and private property management from foreign-agent registration requirements.
Despite disagreements, consultations indicated a willingness among diaspora groups to support national development, provided the law is clearer and safeguards citizenship rights.
As parliamentary review continues, attention is now on whether lawmakers will revise the Bill to balance national security objectives with the rights and economic role of Ugandans abroad.
The Forum concluded its submission by emphasising that Uganda’s sovereignty is strengthened not only through regulation, but also through the continued confidence and contribution of its citizens, wherever they reside.