The number of registered non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Uganda has significantly dwindled over the past four years, according to government officials.
The National Bureau for NGOs reported a sharp decline, with the number of registered NGOs dropping from 14,000 in 2019 to 5,021 as of August 2023.
While the bureau attributed this decrease to various factors, including post-pandemic financial constraints faced by foreign donors, the tightening of government regulations on NGOs has emerged as a major concern for civil society organizations and human rights advocates.
In recent years, the Ugandan government has implemented stricter regulations on NGOs, particularly those receiving foreign funding.
These regulations have been criticized for hindering the work of civil society organizations and limiting their ability to operate freely.
NGOs and human rights lawyers have expressed concerns about the impact of these regulations on the sector.
They argue that the increasingly restrictive environment has made it difficult for NGOs to secure funding, operate effectively, and address critical social and political issues.
Furthermore, there have been reports of intimidation and harassment of NGOs by government agencies, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the sector.
As the number of registered NGOs continues to decline, concerns are growing about the potential impact on civil society and democratic governance in Uganda.
Critics argue that these measures are aimed at silencing dissenting voices and limiting the space for civil society to hold the government accountable.