Uganda's New Law Tries to Stop Foreign Influence

The president of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, made a new law official on Sunday. The bill is called “Protection of Sovereignty. ” It says that people who push foreign interests against Uganda’s interests are criminals. It also forces anyone acting for a foreign group to register with the government. The law bars foreign agents from creating or carrying out policy without a government green light. If they break the rules, they could face up to ten years in jail and large fines. Museveni has said the law will protect Uganda from outside meddling.He claims that political rivals get money from abroad and use it to influence the country. The central bank’s governor, Michael Atingi‑Ego, warned that this law could hurt Uganda’s economy. He said it might stop money from coming in and deplete foreign‑exchange reserves. He called the situation an “economic disaster. ” The World Bank also said the law could make ordinary development work illegal. It warned that many routine projects might fall under criminal liability. The law was passed last month, and the president signed it into effect today. People are debating whether it will help or harm Uganda’s future.