Uganda suspends work of 54 NGOs

Uganda  on Friday  suspended the operations of 54 non-governmental as part of its efforts to tighten control over civil society.

The suspension was ordered with immediate effect, affecting most prominent rights organisation, Chapter Four, as well as charities, religious, environmental and electoral democracy groups.

The National Bureau for NGOs, part of the ministry of internal affairs, said in a statement.

“ the groups had failed to comply with legislation covering their activities, including operating with expired permits, not filing accounts or not registering with the authorities.”

Some of the organisations ordered to close had taken part in an election monitoring operation on polling day in January which was raided by security forces and during which several of their leaders were arrested.

Responding to the shutdown on Twitter, the European Union in Uganda underlined the importance of civil society in the country.

“Civil society is a key partner making vital contributions to Uganda’s development. We look forward to the resolution of any issues with registration of organisations so that this important work can continue in the spirit of a genuine partnership based on mutual accountability.”

President Yoweri Museveni’s government has for several years been increasing pressure on NGOs, accusing some of them of backing the opposition.

Recently, last month the Zimbabwean government banned all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private voluntary organisations (PVOs).


On several occasions, government had been threatening to shutdown NGOs accusing them of operating outside their mandates and/or propping up the opposition.