Uganda's parliament passed a controversial foreign influence law on 5 May 2026, despite sustained criticism from human rights groups, journalists, and business associations who warn it could be used to silence dissent. Lawmakers approved the bill with significant amendments after heated debate, including removing a clause that had classified members of the Ugandan diaspora as "foreign agents" and scrapping a requirement for prior government authorisation of remittances sent from abroad. Critics remain concerned, however, as the legislation retains the core "foreign agent" designation, bans certain political activities deemed contrary to Uganda's national interests, and still carries penalties of up to ten years in prison for acts classified as "economic sabotage."