news 4 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
CSOs Cry Foul to Speaker Over NGO Bureau Lapses, Suspensions
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have formally petitioned Speaker Anita Among, raising concerns about the prolonged closure of several NGOs and the apparent inactivity of the National Non-Governmental Organisation Bureau (NGO Bureau). The groups allege 'illegal' suspensions and a lack of due process, leaving operations stalled for extended periods. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/csos-petition-speaker-oboth-oboth-over-illegal-suspensions-inactive-ngo-bureau-5546616
A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has taken their grievances to the highest legislative office, petitioning Speaker Anita Among regarding what they term as “illegal” suspensions of organizations and the “comatose” state of the NGO Bureau. The petition, submitted on Monday, highlights a pattern of closures that have left several NGOs inoperative for months, impacting their ability to serve communities.
The CSOs argue that the suspensions are often carried out without adherence to proper legal procedures or providing affected organizations with a fair hearing. This lack of transparency and due process, they contend, undermines the principles of good governance and the vital role CSOs play in Uganda’s development landscape.
Furthermore, the petition points to the NGO Bureau, the government agency responsible for registering and overseeing NGOs, as being largely inactive. This inaction has reportedly exacerbated the challenges faced by NGOs, as there is no functional body to address their concerns or facilitate their operations. The delay in addressing these issues is creating a climate of uncertainty and hindering the work of organizations engaged in critical social, humanitarian, and development activities across the country.
CSOs expressed their deep concern that the current situation could stifle civic space and discourage the participation of civil society in national discourse and service delivery. They are urging the Speaker to intervene and ensure that the NGO Bureau is revitalized and that the suspension of NGOs is conducted within the bounds of the law, with clear justification and recourse for affected parties.
The petitioners emphasized that a robust and functional NGO sector is crucial for achieving Uganda’s development goals, and they hope this intervention will lead to a resolution that upholds both the rule of law and the contribution of civil society.