The number of registered non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Uganda has plummeted by more than half in the past four years, with only 5,021 NGOs remaining as of August 2023, compared to 14,000 in 2019, according to Stephen Okello, Executive Director of the National Bureau for NGOs.
Okello attributed the sharp decline to several factors, including the withdrawal of funding from foreign donors post-COVID-19 and increased government regulations aimed at tightening control over the sector. These measures have raised concerns among NGOs and rights advocates about the future of civic freedoms in Uganda.
In 2021, the bureau suspended 54 organisations, including women’s groups and rights advocates, for alleged non-compliance with regulations. Critics argue that stringent regulatory frameworks and restrictions on funding sources have made it increasingly difficult for NGOs to operate.
Chris Nkwatsibwe, a member of the NGO Forum, highlighted financial constraints faced by foreign donors and the impact of restrictive government policies on the sector. Human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza echoed these concerns, noting that state agencies’ influence and legal risks are deterring organisations from entering or continuing work in Uganda.
