KAMPALA — A coalition of Ugandan civil society organisations has challenged the government’s position on the ongoing restrictions imposed on non-governmental organisations (NGOs), calling for the immediate lifting of suspensions and the unfreezing of bank accounts belonging to affected entities.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, the organisations accused authorities of shrinking civic space and undermining the role of NGOs in national development.
They argued that the government’s actions have severely disrupted operations across the sector, leaving many organisations unable to deliver essential services to vulnerable communities.
The civil society groups contend that the restrictions—ranging from operational suspensions to financial limitations—have not only crippled programme implementation but also weakened citizen participation and advocacy efforts.
They say the measures have created uncertainty within the sector, forcing some organisations to scale down activities, lay off staff, or halt operations altogether.
“We are witnessing a systematic erosion of civic space,” the statement reads in part. “The continued suspension of NGOs and freezing of their accounts has significantly affected service delivery, particularly in sectors such as health, education, governance, and human rights.”
The organisations further argue that the government’s narrative framing these actions as regulatory enforcement fails to account for the broader impact on communities that rely on NGO-led initiatives. They insist that civil society plays a complementary role to government efforts, especially in reaching underserved populations.
The groups are now demanding the immediate reinstatement of all affected NGOs and the restoration of access to their financial resources, warning that prolonged restrictions could reverse years of progress in community development and civic engagement.
They also called for constructive dialogue between the government and civil society actors to address regulatory concerns without undermining the independence and functionality of NGOs.
The government has in the past defended its actions, citing the need for compliance with national laws and accountability standards. However, civil society organisations maintain that the measures are disproportionate and risk stifling democratic participation.
The latest developments add to growing tensions between authorities and non-state actors, raising fresh concerns about the future of civic space in Uganda.
