Sekaggya Welcomes Government Dialogue on Suspended NGOs

What the report says

Human rights advocate Margaret Sekaggya has welcomed talks between Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and non-governmental organisations affected by recent suspensions, saying the engagement in Kampala was a constructive step toward easing tensions. According to Nile Post, the meeting gave civil society leaders a chance to raise concerns about the suspension of 10 organisations and discuss possible ways forward.

Sekaggya, who founded Human Rights Centre Uganda, praised Internal Affairs Minister Ephraim Kamuntu for meeting the groups directly and listening to their grievances. She also welcomed the ministry’s commitment to review the affected cases individually, saying that approach offered hope to organisations facing uncertainty over their future operations.

The article says Sekaggya warned that the suspensions have created serious financial and operational pressure for some NGOs, including difficulties paying salaries and rent. She added that some groups have had to lay off staff or pause programmes that support communities. She also thanked development partners, including Irish and Danish donors, for continuing to back civil society during the disruption.

Sekaggya called for more structured dialogue between government and NGOs, including better follow-up on commitments made in meetings. She also said a consultant had been brought in to assess civil society’s contributions, challenges and needs over time, underscoring the broader effort to clarify the sector’s role and support future cooperation.