By Kabuye Ronald
Youth line Forum which is among the 54 Non-Government Organisations that were on Friday this week suspended by the NGO Bureau, the regulator of Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Uganda, has spoken out on its indefinite suspension.
According to the press statement issued by Ruth Asiimwe Kabugo, the Strategy, Fundraising and Partnerships Director, they have not yet received any official communication revoking their operation permit which is still valid.
“Youth Line Forum has been filing its Annual Returns, has a permit to operate that is still valid, has incorporated with URSB and Registered with the Financial Intelligence Authority.
We state categorically that even when we have not received an Official Letter of closure from the Bureau to this effect, we are dedicated to Diplomatic and Lawful means of resolving matters in all our operations.” Reads the statement in parts.
Asiimwe emphasized that Youth Line Forum is a law abiding entity, operating under and abiding by the laws of the Republic of Uganda.
“Youth Line Forum validated all its legal documents with the NGO Bureau and appears on the official list of the NGOs permitted by the Bureau to operate in the country, updated on 16th August 2021: https://www.ngobureau.go.ug/en/updated-national-ngo-register.
We have a track record of calling upon NGOs to comply with state regulation as they push back and reclaim their Civic Space. As a matter of fact, we are currently supporting 300 organizations nationwide to synchronize their operations with the law.
Youth Line Forum Strategic Plan 2017- 2021 is fully aligned to the Government Vision 2040 and he third National Development Plan (NDP) components of Human Capital Development, Community Mobilization and Mindset Change as well Governance. Equally, our programming is designed to contribute to the realization of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
most especially SDG 1, 4, 5, 8, 10, 13, 16 and 17.” Reads the statement
Asiimwe committed to continuously engage the NGO Bureau, Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) and all relevant government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to find a lasting solution to the impasse. Adding that they are confident that their track record and evidence of compliance will help them sail through the turbulent waters.
She assured their Partners and all the Young People they work with that their Board, Management and Staff are doing all in their means to expeditiously handle the issue as they continue to operate legally.
