Civil society organisations in Uganda have urged the government to immediately reverse recent actions targeting non-governmental organisations (NGOs), rejecting accusations that they are linked to terrorism and warning that continued restrictions could undermine democratic freedoms and public trust. Activists described measures such as suspensions and financial constraints as unjustified and reflective of a broader pattern of shrinking civic space, emphasizing that NGOs remain vital partners in service delivery, governance, and human rights advocacy.
At a joint press briefing in Kampala, civic leaders—including Andrew Karamagi, Sarah Bireete, Sarah Mukasa, and Job Kiija—asserted that NGOs are not terrorist organisations. They condemned growing hostility toward civil society and cautioned that ongoing pressure risks reversing years of progress in citizen engagement, institutional accountability, and democratic participation.
The organisations highlighted that the latest measures echo past crackdowns, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as election cycles, when NGO operations have historically faced increased scrutiny, suspensions, and raids. They warned that continued restrictions could weaken independent oversight, reduce public participation in governance, and diminish confidence in democratic processes. While Ugandan authorities defend the actions as necessary for legal compliance and national security, civil society actors argue that the timing and scope raise serious concerns about their broader implications.
Activists also expressed concern over the proposed NGO Funding Bill, which would centralize control over NGO financing and impose stricter reporting requirements for foreign funding, including sources, amounts, and intended use. The draft framework suggests that large foreign grants may require prior government approval and could be channelled through a central fund, reducing direct financial relationships between donors and NGOs. Although proponents frame these measures as enhancing accountability, transparency, and local resource mobilization, critics warn they could compromise the independence of organisations involved in governance, anti-corruption, and election monitoring.
Civil society leaders argue that the combination of the current crackdown and the proposed funding framework could significantly shrink civic space in Uganda, limiting the ability of NGOs to operate freely and weakening their role as watchdogs and service providers. They called on the government to halt enforcement actions and engage in dialogue with civil society, emphasizing the need to uphold constitutional freedoms of association and expression while ensuring regulatory reforms balance accountability with NGO autonomy.
For civil society organisations, the stakes extend beyond institutional survival. They warn that failure to reverse the crackdown and recalibrate the proposed reforms could have far-reaching consequences for governance, citizen participation, and the delivery of essential services across Uganda, at a time when public trust and democratic resilience remain critical.
