Uganda sovereignty law faces East African Court challenge

Four civil society groups have filed a case at the East African Court of Justice challenging Uganda's Protection of Sovereignty Act, arguing 25 of its provisions violate the East African Community Treaty and threaten regional cooperation. The applicants, from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, contend the law restricts cross-border civil society work and access to international funding for projects on climate change and sustainable development. They cite treaty articles on good governance and civil society participation, and have asked the court to suspend the law's implementation. The legislation, signed by President Museveni in May 2026, regulates foreign agents and their funding. Uganda defends it as necessary for national sovereignty, while the applicants also seek court direction on the EAC Secretary-General's role in monitoring treaty compliance.