Government to Lift Suspension of Some NGOs Within Two Weeks

What the report says

Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs says some non-governmental organisations suspended earlier this year may be allowed to resume work within two weeks, after officials complete a case-by-case review. The announcement followed the suspension of 10 NGOs over allegations that their activities went beyond the mandates under which they were registered. The Ministry said organisations that address the concerns raised against them will be cleared to reopen.

Internal Affairs Minister Ephraim Kamuntu made the remarks during a meeting with NGO leaders in Kampala, according to Nile Post. He said the action was not directed at the NGO sector as a whole, but was based on intelligence concerning individual organisations. He added that the review was expected to be finished by the end of the week, with cleared groups reopening shortly afterward.

Kamuntu also defended the role of NGOs in Uganda’s development, saying they contribute in areas such as education, humanitarian support, agriculture and community mobilisation. He urged groups to remain within their registered mandates to avoid further disputes, while noting that government and civil society sometimes face tensions over priorities and funding. The ministry said quarterly dialogue and consultation mechanisms already exist to help resolve such disagreements.

During the meeting, NGO representatives raised concerns about alleged harassment by security agencies, limits on operations during election periods and financial strain linked to the suspensions. The issue matters because NGOs play a significant role in service delivery and community support, especially where government resources may be stretched.