By Mukembo Wilfred
The National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO Bureau) has suspended the operating permits of five prominent civil society organisations—Chapter Four Uganda, the Alliance for Election Finance Monitoring (ACFIM), Human Rights Network for Journalists–Uganda (HRNJ-U), the National NGO Forum, and the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders in Uganda (NCHRD-U)—ordering them to cease operations with immediate effect.
In separate notices dated 9 January 2026, the NGO Bureau said the suspensions followed the receipt of intelligence information alleging that the organisations were engaged in activities prejudicial to the security and laws of Uganda, contrary to Section 42(d) of the NGO Act, Cap 109 (as amended).
The notices, addressed to the executive directors of the affected organisations, state that the Bureau—operating under the Ministry of Internal Affairs—is legally mandated to register, regulate, coordinate, monitor, inspect, and oversee all NGO activities in the country to ensure compliance with the law.
According to the Bureau, investigations have been instituted into the alleged activities of the organisations. Citing the “sensitivity of the matter and the nature of the allegations relating to national security,” the Bureau directed the organisations to halt all operations pending the conclusion of the investigations.
“The purpose of this letter therefore is to suspend the NGO permit and direct you to ceases all operations of the organisation with immediate effect ,” the notices read, adding that the organisations would be accorded an opportunity to be heard during the investigation process.
In the case of Chapter Four Uganda, the NGO Bureau further notified the Inspector General of Police to ensure the organisation does not continue operating while investigations are ongoing. The Registrar General of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and the Uganda Bankers Association were also informed of the suspension.
The decision has triggered strong condemnation from opposition leaders and civil society actors. Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, described the move as politically motivated and deliberately timed to weaken independent oversight ahead of the general election.
“The height of cowardice and impunity!” Bobi Wine said in a statement. “Two days to the General Election, the criminal regime has shut down several leading civil society organisations including Chapter Four Uganda, Alliance for Election Finance Monitoring (ACFIM), Human Rights Network for Journalists–Uganda (HRNJ-U), National NGO Forum, and the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders. The list is apparently much longer.”
