Uganda parliament passes controversial NGO bill on eve of pope's arrival: government

Civil society groups say legislation gives the government unprecedented powers

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.