Uganda parliament passes controversial NGO bill on eve of pope's arrival: government
Civil society groups say legislation gives the government unprecedented powers
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2015-11-27 16:03 GMT
Kampala: Ugandan lawmakers have passed a bill that would give authorities sweeping powers to regulate civil society, that rights groups say will "strangle" criticism of the government, on the eve of a visit by the pope.
"The bill was unanimously passed," government chief whip, Ruth Nankabirwa said on Friday, after lawmakers voted at a late night sitting on Thursday. Civil society groups say the legislation gives the government unprecedented powers, including the ability to shut down NGOs and jail members.