The government has defended the suspension of several civil society organisations, citing intelligence reports alleging that some groups are receiving foreign funding to engage in activities considered prejudicial to national security, particularly during the election period.
The Uganda National NGO Bureau this week ordered a number of organisations working in human rights, governance, media freedom and election monitoring to suspend their operations with immediate effect, saying investigations had been launched under Section 42(d) of the NGO Act.
In letters issued to the organisations, the Bureau said it had received intelligence information indicating that the groups were allegedly involved in activities that contravene Ugandan law and threaten national stability.
The directive also extended to financial operations, with banks instructed to freeze transactions pending the conclusion of investigations.
Government sources say the investigations are focusing on the flow of foreign funding and how some external resources are allegedly being used to influence political processes, mobilise unrest and undermine state institutions during and after the elections.
President Yoweri Museveni has repeatedly warned against foreign interference in Uganda’s internal affairs, particularly during electoral periods.
In recent remarks, the President cited unrest in neighbouring Tanzania as an example of externally driven instability.
“Foreigners funded violence in Tanzania, and now they want to bring the same chaos to Uganda,” Museveni has said, adding that the country “will not allow destabilisation disguised as democracy or human rights activism.”
Security officials argue that while foreign funding of NGOs is not illegal, it becomes a national security concern when it is allegedly used to advance partisan political agendas or incite disorder during sensitive political moments.
Meanwhile, leaders of the affected organisations have confirmed receipt of the suspension letters and say they are complying, even as they question the basis of the allegations.
Robert Ssempala, the Executive Director of the Human Rights Network for Journalists–Uganda (HRNJ-U), said the organisation was surprised by the directive but would cooperate fully.
“We don’t know what they have against us, but we are ready to fully cooperate with the investigators. As far as I know, we have never violated our licence,” Ssempala said.
Robert Kirenga, the Executive Director of the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, said the organisation shut down operations immediately after receiving the letter.
“We informed our staff and development partners immediately. As of now, our offices are closed, and we are complying fully,” Kirenga said.
Henry Muguzi, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Election Finance Monitoring, said the organisation had also suspended operations and alerted its stakeholders, while expressing concern over the allegations.
“Our work is focused on transparency and accountability in public affairs,” Muguzi said, noting that the organisation had always operated within its mandate.
Government officials insist the suspensions are administrative and investigative rather than punitive, stressing that the organisations will be given an opportunity to be heard before any final decisions are made.
The NGO Bureau has said the investigations will be concluded within a reasonable time.
The development comes amid heightened political tension ahead of Thursday’s presidential and parliamentary elections.
Authorities maintain that the measures taken are “spot on” and aimed at safeguarding peace, sovereignty and constitutional order during a critical national process.
Uganda has historically experienced strained relations between the state and sections of civil society during election periods, with officials frequently accusing some organisations of advancing foreign interests under the cover of civic engagement.