The Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) has frozen the bank accounts of several non-governmental organisations operating in Uganda as part of ongoing investigations into suspected financial irregularities and the sources of their funding. The move, confirmed by FIA Director Samuel Wandera, was taken in collaboration with other government agencies following concerns about financial flows linked to the affected organisations.
According to Wandera, the decision is part of a broader effort to examine the operations of the NGOs while investigations continue. Authorities are working to determine the origin of funds received by these organisations and how the money has been utilized. Security sources indicate that the organisations have been asked to provide detailed explanations regarding their funding sources and the activities financed through those resources.
Among the organisations reportedly affected by the account freeze are Agora Centre for Research, Chapter Four Uganda, African Institute for Investigative Journalism, Centre for Constitutional Governance, and The Great Lakes Institute for Strategic Studies. The freeze has had significant operational implications, with reports suggesting that not only institutional accounts but also, in some cases, personal accounts linked to organisation officials have been restricted.
Sources familiar with the investigations estimate that the organisations collectively received more than Shs70 billion in recent years, prompting authorities to seek greater accountability. Investigators are particularly focused on financial flows from foreign partners and development organisations, as well as the nature of activities supported by such funding.
Officials indicate that once the FIA completes its preliminary review, the matter will be handed over to the police for further investigation. The findings will then be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who will determine whether any criminal charges or legal action should be pursued.
This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of NGO operations in Uganda, as authorities continue to emphasize the importance of transparency, regulatory compliance, and accountability in the management of funds by civil society organisations.
