Politics 28 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda's NGOs Under Siege as Government Freezes Accounts and Pushes New Bill
Ugandan civil society organizations face mounting pressure from frozen bank accounts, suspensions, and a proposed NGO Funding Bill aimed at curbing foreign influence. Critics argue the moves target groups focused on human rights, governance, and opposition activities amid a shrinking sector. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/people-power/ngos-feel-the-pinch-as-govt-turns-on-the-heat-5406446
Uganda’s NGO sector is grappling with intensified government scrutiny, highlighted by the recent freezing of bank accounts belonging to five civil society organizations (CSOs): Agora Centre for Research, Chapter Four Uganda, African Institute for Investigative Journalism, Centre for Constitutional Governance, and Great Lakes Institute for Strategic Studies. The Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) ordered the freezes in late February amid an investigation into alleged financial irregularities and funding sources, though specifics remain undisclosed.
This action follows a pattern, with some groups like GLISS and Chapter Four Uganda experiencing repeated account restrictions. GLISS director Godber Tumushabe expressed frustration on social media, questioning the FIA’s motives. Several affected CSOs were among ten indefinitely suspended in January by the National Bureau for NGOs over national security concerns.
Government spokesperson Faruk Kirunda defended the measures, citing credible intelligence on destabilizing activities and assuring that operations could resume once issues are resolved. However, figures like Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago view it as part of a broader clampdown on dissent, likening it to the criminalization of political opposition.
Experts such as Livingstone Sewanyana of the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative and Sarah Bireete of CCG argue the targets are primarily organizations advocating for rule of law, human rights, election integrity, and accountability—often perceived as aligned with opposition parties like NUP and PFF. The Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Transformation Index 2024 echoes this, noting a hostile environment for groups critical of the ruling NRM.
Historical context includes the 2023 closure of the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) after President Museveni’s accusations of subversion, deportations of foreign NGO leaders since 2020, and the impact of USAID’s dismantling under US President Trump. These have led to massive job losses, reduced services, and economic fallout, with NGO numbers dropping from 14,000 in 2019 to about 5,021 by August 2023.
Compounding challenges is the draft NGO Funding Bill, 2026, seeking to limit foreign funding that could influence politics or elections. Critics like Sewanyana decry it as a tool for control rather than regulation, while Kirunda insists it’s necessary to counter threats to security. Concerns persist over its constitutionality and feasibility given Uganda’s budget deficits.
As the sector shrinks, leaders warn of a gloomy future with dwindling operations and livelihoods at stake.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)