Govt Suspends Five Human Rights NGOs Ahead of Polls

The Uganda National NGO Bureau has ordered at least five prominent human rights organisations to suspend their operations with immediate effect, citing ongoing investigations into activities alleged to be prejudicial to national security.

The affected organisations are Chapter Four Uganda, the Alliance for Election Finance Monitoring (ACFIM), the Human Rights Network for Journalists–Uganda (HRNJ-U), the National NGO Forum, and the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders.

In a letter addressed to Chapter Four Uganda, the Bureau states that it received intelligence information alleging the organisation is engaged in activities that contravene Uganda’s laws and threaten national security, contrary to Section 42(d) of the NGO Act. As a result, investigations have been instituted and the organisation has been directed to halt all activities until the process is concluded.

The Bureau noted that the organisations will be accorded a right to be heard during the investigations, which are expected to be concluded within a “reasonable time.”
Identical letters were issued to the other four organisations.

The Bureau further requested the Inspector General of Police to ensure full compliance with the suspension orders.

The directive also extends to the financial operations of the affected organisations. In letters copied to the Executive Director of the Uganda Bankers Association, the Bureau instructed banks holding the organisations’ accounts to freeze all transactions pending the outcome of the investigations.

Robert Ssempala, the Executive Director of the Human Rights Network for Journalists–Uganda, confirmed receipt of the suspension letter and said the organisation would comply. “We don’t know what they have against us, but we are ready to fully cooperate with the investigators. As far as I know, we have never violated our licence,” Ssempala said.

Robert Kirenga, the Executive Director of the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, also confirmed that their operations had been suspended shortly after receiving the letter. “We informed our staff and development partners immediately. As of now, our offices are closed, and we are complying fully,” Kirenga said.

Similarly, Henry Muguzi, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Election Finance Monitoring, said the organisation had notified its board, staff, stakeholders and partners, and had suspended all activities.

He expressed concern over the allegations, noting that ACFIM’s work focuses on promoting transparency and accountability in public affairs.

The latest development comes about two weeks after Sarah Bireete, the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance, was arrested, charged and remanded to Luzira Prison over allegations related to the unlawful acquisition of Electoral Commission data.

Over the years, the government has repeatedly clashed with civil society organisations, accusing some of advancing foreign interests.

While the immediate trigger for the latest suspensions remains unclear, tensions between the state and non-governmental organisations typically intensify during election periods.

Uganda is set to hold presidential and parliamentary elections this week, with a closely contested race expected between the ruling National Resistance Movement and the opposition National Unity Platform.