Uganda’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, has signed Statutory Instrument 2024 No. 73, dissolving the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) Bureau as a semi-autonomous entity. The move, which takes effect from September 30, 2024, re-establishes the bureau as a department within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, signaling a shift towards centralized control and increased oversight.
The NGO Bureau, which had operated with some degree of autonomy since its inception, has now been fully integrated into the Ministry’s structure. According to officials, the primary aim of this shift is to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and ensure that the regulation of NGOs aligns more closely with the government’s priorities.
“Bringing the NGO Bureau under direct ministerial control will not only enhance our ability to monitor and regulate NGO activities but will also improve coordination with other departments within the Ministry of Internal Affairs,” said Minister Otafiire. “This is part of a broader strategy to ensure that NGOs are operating transparently and contributing positively to Uganda’s development agenda.”
The Statutory Instrument highlights the government’s growing focus on the role of civil society organizations in Uganda. With increased scrutiny expected, NGOs may face more stringent regulations and oversight. This move has sparked discussions among civil society groups about potential impacts on their operations, particularly regarding issues of autonomy and freedom.
Analysts believe that this centralization will likely lead to greater alignment of NGOs with government policies and priorities, especially in sectors such as health, education, and economic development. However, some fear that it could also lead to reduced operational flexibility for NGOs that are critical of government policies.
In a statement, the Ministry emphasized that the reorganization is intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of NGO operations in Uganda, allowing for better resource allocation and stronger collaboration between NGOs and the government.
As Uganda continues to face complex social and economic challenges, the role of NGOs remains crucial. How this new departmental structure will affect their operations and relationships with the government remains to be seen.
For now, the spotlight is on how the Ministry of Internal Affairs will implement these changes and what they will mean for the future of civil society in Uganda.
