KAMPALA, Uganda – The Minister of Internal Affairs, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, has directed the National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO Bureau) to review the cases of suspended organisations individually and establish clear pathways towards resolving their outstanding issues.

Kamuntu has also given the NGO Bureau a two-week timeline to facilitate the reopening of organisations whose issues have been resolved, signalling a renewed effort to address the status of civil society organisations affected by suspensions.

“I have directed the NGO Bureau to handle the affected organisations on a case-by-case basis and establish a clear path towards resolving the matter. I have also set a two-week timeline, starting from today, for the reopening of organisations whose issues have been resolved,” Kamuntu said.

The Minister made the remarks during the Quarterly Dialogue Meeting with the Minister of Internal Affairs, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and leaders of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

The meeting was hosted by Human Rights Centre Uganda in partnership with the NGO Bureau, bringing together government officials and civil society representatives to discuss issues affecting the operating environment for non-governmental organisations in Uganda.

Kamuntu's directive provides an avenue for organisations whose compliance or regulatory concerns have been addressed to have their operational status reconsidered without having to wait indefinitely for the resolution of the broader suspension process.

The case-by-case approach also means that each affected organisation will have its circumstances examined individually, rather than applying a blanket decision to all suspended entities.

The two-week timeline places responsibility on the NGO Bureau to expedite the review and reopening process for organisations that have fulfilled the necessary requirements.

The development comes amid ongoing discussions between government and civil society organisations over regulatory compliance, accountability and the operating environment for NGOs in Uganda.