Kampala, Uganda. Several Human rights organizations in Uganda are facing an unprecedented threats as the government has hinted at possible deregistration of several prominent NGOs.
The move follows allegations that these organizations have been financing recent 23rd June youth protests against corruption and lack of public fund accountability, a claim that the NGOs strongly deny.
Among the organizations under scrutiny is Assure Uganda (AU), a youth focused human rights NGO that has been actively involved in advocating for social justice, environmental protection, and government accountability. The accusations have caused serious concerns over the shrinking civic space in Uganda, especially as the country prepares for the 2025/2026 general elections.
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Propagandists have accused NGOs of using foreign funds to incite unrest among the youth. It is alleged that these organizations provided financial support for protests against corruption, which have gained momentum in recent months.
“These NGOs are not just monitoring government activities; they are actively participating in subversive activities that threaten the peace and stability of our nation,” one of the people in Government.
In response, the accused NGOs, including FOWEL, Grassroots Defender’s for civil rights, AKLOM Uganda, Assure Uganda, Protect Protesters among others for have categorically denied the allegations.
“We are not involved in any illegal activities. Our role has always been to hold the government accountable to the people of Uganda and to ensure that public funds are used for the intended purposes,” said Bwogi John Bosco,Spokesperson of Grassroots Defender’s for Civic Rights.
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John Bosco added, “The government’s accusations are not only baseless but also a clear attempt to silence dissent and intimidate organizations that are fighting for the rights of Ugandan citizens. We will not be deterred from our mission.”
Uganda has a long history of corruption and human rights violations, with numerous reports of government officials embezzling public funds and suppressing opposition voices. Over the years, several high-profile corruption scandals have rocked the nation, involving senior government officials and millions of dollars in public funds.
One of the most notable scandals was the 2007 CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) scam, where funds allocated for the event were misappropriated by government officials. Despite investigations, only a few individuals were held accountable, and many of the funds were never recovered.
In recent years, the situation has not improved. Reports from both local and international watchdogs have highlighted ongoing corruption in various government sectors, including health, education, and infrastructure. The misuse of COVID-19 relief funds in 2020 further exposed the extent of corruption, with funds meant for the most vulnerable being siphoned off by officials.
Uganda’s record on human rights
The government has been accused of using the military and police to suppress opposition and silence critics. The November 2020 protests, which erupted following the arrest of opposition leader Bobi Wine, saw the death of more than 100 people and the arrest of hundreds of others.
Human rights organizations, including Assure Uganda, have repeatedly called for justice and accountability for these and other human rights abuses.
The threat of deregistration
NGOs like Assure Uganda play a crucial role in advocating for the rights of citizens more so the youth, monitoring government actions, and providing a voice for marginalized communities and populations including youth and minority groups. Without these organizations, the checks and balances on government power would be severely weakened, and the protection of human rights would be at greater risk.
Moreover, the potential deregistration of these NGOs could have far-reaching consequences beyond Uganda’s borders. International human rights bodies and donor organizations are closely monitoring the situation, with many expressing concerns over the increasing restrictions on civil society.
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As Uganda approaches the 2025/2026 elections, the stakes are high. The government’s move to target NGOs is seen by many as an attempt to consolidate power and prevent any form of opposition. Human rights organizations have vowed to continue their work despite the mounting pressure. The coming months will be crucial in determining the future of civil society in Uganda and the broader struggle for democracy and human rights in the country.
The international community’s response will also play a pivotal role in supporting these organizations and ensuring that the rights of Ugandan citizens are protected. As the situation unfolds, the world will be watching closely to see how Uganda navigates this critical juncture.
