Civil society rejects govt’s proposed NGO funding controls, cites threat to freedoms
By Skika Reporter
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Uganda have rejected proposed government measures to regulate NGO funding and accreditation, warning that the plans could shrink civic space and undermine constitutional freedoms.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement in Kampala on Monday, activists argued that non-governmental organisations play a vital role in service delivery and governance, and should not be subjected to restrictive controls.
Lawyer Andrew Karamagi, a member of the Pan-Africa Union, said attempts to regulate civil society were rooted in efforts to limit public participation.
“Civil society organizations and NGOs are an indispensable component of the socioeconomic and political fabric of our polity,” he said. “Our existence is not only mandated by the Constitution, but is also borne out by the history of struggle for self-determination.”
Activists pointed to what they described as a pattern of state pressure on NGOs, including the 2017 raids on organisations such as ActionAid, Great Lakes Institute for Strategic Studies, and the Uhuru Institute during the heated debate over the presidential age limit.
They also referenced the 2021 suspension of 54 organisations by the Uganda NGO Bureau over alleged non-compliance with the 2016 NGO Act. Some of the affected groups, including Chapter Four Uganda, later successfully challenged the decision in court.
Civil society leaders now say the latest proposals—emerging before and after the 2026 general elections—risk silencing voices on issues such as corruption, human rights abuses, and electoral integrity.
Sarah Bireete, Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance, questioned the legal standing of the NGO Bureau following recent legislative changes.
“The NGO Amendment Act of 2024 redefined the Bureau,” she said, arguing that its current structure lacks formally gazetted board members. “Legally, we have a non-existent NGO Bureau,” she added.
CSOs also strongly opposed proposals to establish a government-controlled NGO fund, warning it could be used as a tool for control rather than support.
Civic activist Job Kiija said the idea undermines the independence of civil society.
“NGOs exist to fill the gaps left by the inefficiencies of government. So how can the government claim that they can actually finance NGOs?” he asked.
The organisations called for an immediate halt to ongoing Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) proposals related to NGO funding and donor accreditation, urging broader and more inclusive consultations.
They further appealed to government to uphold constitutional provisions—particularly Articles 29 and 38—which guarantee freedoms of association, expression, and citizen participation in governance.
The proposed reforms have sparked fresh debate over the balance between regulation and independence of civil society in Uganda, with activists warning that tighter controls could reverse gains made in democratic governance.
