World Bank objects to Uganda bill to regulate purported foreign agents
The World Bank has expressed concerns over a proposed Ugandan bill aimed at regulating foreign agents, stating it could hinder their operations in the country. The legislation requires individuals receiving foreign funds to register and could impose severe penalties for non-compliance. The Ugandan government has dismissed the World Bank's objections, asserting that the bill is necessary for national sovereignty.
- ▪The World Bank has warned that the proposed legislation could obstruct its development activities in Uganda.
- ▪The bill mandates that anyone receiving foreign funds register as a foreign agent and disclose all incoming funds.
- ▪Critics argue that the bill would stifle legitimate funding and impose harsh penalties, including fines and prison sentences.
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World Bank objects to Uganda bill to regulate purported foreign agentsSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished Apr 29, 2026, 12:03 AMUpdated Apr 29, 2026, 12:28 AMListenKAMPALA, April 28 - The World Bank has told Uganda's government that proposed legislation to regulate people and organisations that receive foreign funding will hinder its work in the country, according to a letter seen by Reuters.The legislation, introduced in parliament by President Yoweri Museveni's government on April 15 with the stated goal of protecting national sovereignty, says any Ugandan receiving money from outside the country must register as a foreign agent and disclose all incoming funds.It also says foreign agents cannot "hinder, frustrate or disrupt the implementation of a…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.