Ugandan Journalists Face 20 Years Under ‘Foreign Agents’ Bill

Uganda is moving closer to passing a controversial “foreign agents” law that could expose journalists to prison sentences of up to 20 years, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

The proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, introduced in parliament on April 15, includes sweeping provisions that could be used to criminalize reporting on sensitive issues such as the economy, foreign policy, and elections. The legislation also seeks to cap foreign media funding at roughly $100,000 annually and impose strict state oversight on newsrooms.

According to CPJ, the bill is framed by authorities as a measure to regulate “agents of foreigners” and prevent what it describes as undue external interference in Uganda’s domestic affairs. Officials argue that foreign funding and digital platforms have contributed to misinformation and social instability.

However, press freedom advocates warn that the law could be used as a tool to silence independent media.

“Uganda’s Protection of Sovereignty Bill risks unleashing a dangerous legal weapon that authorities can easily turn against the press,” said Muthoki Mumo, CPJ’s Africa Program Coordinator. “If this bill is not stopped, journalists reporting in a manner that does not please President Yoweri Museveni’s administration could be labeled ‘agents of foreigners’ and jailed.”

The bill adopts a broad definition of a “foreign agent,” covering individuals or organizations that receive any form of foreign funding or support. This could include independent media outlets that rely on international grants or partnerships.

Under the proposed law, such entities would be required to register with the government every two years and disclose detailed operational and financial information. Authorities would also have the power to deny or revoke registration based on vague criteria such as “security threats” or “disruptive activities.”

Failure to comply could result in prison sentences of up to 10 years.

More critically, CPJ notes that the bill introduces harsh penalties for activities that could encompass routine journalism. Reporting that is interpreted as “damaging the economic system” or promoting foreign policies not endorsed by the government could be classified as “economic sabotage,” carrying sentences of up to 20 years.

Journalists could also face similar penalties if their work is deemed to influence public opinion in ways considered to interfere with electoral processes.

The legislation further raises concerns over source protection. Government inspectors would be granted authority to enter media premises and demand information deemed necessary, potentially forcing journalists to reveal confidential sources. Refusal to comply could lead to prison terms of up to seven years.

According to CPJ, such measures come amid a broader trend across Africa, where similar laws have been introduced to regulate civil society and media under the banner of national sovereignty. Zimbabwe passed a comparable law in 2023, while proposals have surfaced in other countries.

Uganda itself has a history of press crackdowns, including past newsroom raids and increasing regulatory pressure on independent outlets.

While the government maintains that the bill is necessary to protect national stability, critics argue that it risks further narrowing civic space and undermining press freedom in the country.