Uganda’s parliament on Tuesday passed a controversial bill that had previously been criticized by human rights groups, journalists and businesses as, after a series of changes, it mimics the “foreign agent” language in Russian law used to suppress dissent.
The East African country has been under the increasingly authoritarian rule of President Yoweri Museveni for 40 years.
The 81-year-old was re-elected in January when the internet was shut down for days and an opposition crackdown forced his main opponent, Bobi Wine, into hiding.
Critics say the new law adds a new weapon to be used against political opponents.
The so-called “Protection of Sovereignty Bill” criminalizes the promotion of “foreign interests against Ugandan interests” and labels recipients of foreign funds as “foreign agents”.
Those convicted face up to 20 years in prison.
“This is a historic bill,” House Speaker Anita Amter said.
During a heated parliamentary debate on Tuesday night, lawmakers passed the bill with changes that included removing a clause referring to overseas Ugandans as “foreigners”.
The bill was also amended to exclude foreign funding received by regulated institutions, medical institutions, religious organizations, and academic and research institutions engaged in activities approved by Ugandan law.
The amendment comes after Museveni stepped in last week, saying the bill should be amended to ensure it does not restrict capital flows while defending the idea of restricting political ideas deemed foreign.
Proponents say the new law aims to protect Uganda’s autonomy “from undue external interference”.
The law prohibits “alien agents” from engaging in political activities that advance foreign interests, including funding or sponsorship of such activities.
“This is a huge achievement,” said ruling party lawmaker Kajwengye Twinomugisha Wilson.
Last week, Human Rights Watch said it “mimicked” laws passed by Russia and its allies by deliberately using vague terms that could apply to any activist deemed a nuisance.
It added that it “could be used to shut down civil society” in the East African country, which has shown intolerance of dissenting voices.
Despite calls from the opposition for its withdrawal, the new law was passed by an overwhelming majority in parliament.
Opposition lawmaker Gilbert Oranya said: “The bill creates a punitive sanctions regime that has the potential to damage the economy.”
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