This archive report was first published on 20 August 2021.
Friday, August 20, 2021, marked a significant day in Uganda's history as the government announced the suspension of operations for 54 non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This move is part of a broader effort to tighten control over civil society.
The National Bureau for NGOs, under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, issued a statement stating that the shutdown was effective immediately. The decision was made due to the organizations' failure to comply with relevant legislation, including operating with expired permits, failing to file accounts, and not registering with the authorities.
Some of the affected organizations had participated in an election monitoring operation on polling day in January, which was raided by security forces and resulted in the arrest of several leaders. The election saw President Yoweri Museveni secure a sixth term in office, following a violent campaign marked by the harassment and arrest of opposition figures, attacks on the media, and the deaths of several dozen people.
Chapter Four, Uganda's most prominent rights organization, was among the groups affected. Executive Director Nicholas Opiyo confirmed receipt of the government's order to close and described the situation as 'serious.'
