HRW calls on Uganda authorities to reverse suspension of civil groups

WhatsAppWhatsAppFacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterPinterestPinterestRedditRedditGmailGmailShareShare

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised concerns over the unprecedented suspension of more than 50 civil society groups in Uganda. Last week, Ugandan authorities halted the activities of several civic groups, including election monitoring organizations and human rights watchdogs, for allegedly failing to comply with government regulations.

Pointing out that the decision demonstrates the Uganda government’s disregard for civil society, the HRW called on the authorities to reverse the ban.

“Rather than preventing them from doing their work, the authorities should be seeking ways to quickly resolve any compliance issues they may have and support them in their work,” Oryem Nyeko, Africa researcher with Human Rights Watch, said.

According to the director of Uganda’s National Bureau for Non-governmental Organizations, Stephen Okello, 23 civil organizations were found carrying out their operations with expired permits while 16 other groups were operating as NGOs without registering with the National Bureau. Furthermore, at least 15 rights groups, including Chapter Four Uganda and election observer group CCEDU, faced indefinite suspensions for allegedly failing to file annual returns and audited accounts.

Call for a positive work environment

In its statement, the HRW stated that the rights groups were not informed about the suspension decision until hours after the order. Furthermore, members of some groups told the HRW that Ugandan authorities did not give them the opportunity to respond to the allegations before taking such drastic measures.

Related Posts

“The ban is just the latest government action to undermine civil society in Uganda. The authorities have failed to investigate a string of burglaries and attacks on the offices of prominent rights organizations in recent years,” the HRW added.

Taking note of the situation, the watchdog called on authorities to provide a positive working environment for nongovernmental organizations and ensure adequate protection to the right to freedom of association in accordance with Uganda’s constitution and international human rights obligations.

“Any decision that adversely impacts the functioning of groups should follow due process, including by providing adequate notice and allowing the affected groups to appeal the decisions,” HRW added.

Crackdown on civil groups

In recent months, the authorities have intensified crackdown on several civil groups and rights organizations such as the Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) and National Elections Watch, Citizens Watch-IT, and Women’s Democracy Network in the country.

Earlier this year, the government suspended the operations of the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF), a European Union donor fund for NGOs, alleging that there is a lack of information over the fund. Responding to the government’s action, rights activists have expressed serious concerns over renewed fears of assault on the welfare activities of civil groups in the country.

About WR News Writer

WR News Writer is an engineer turned professionally trained writer who has a strong voice in her writing. She speaks on issues of migrant workers, human rights, and more.

WR News Writer

WR News Writer is an engineer turned professionally trained writer who has a strong voice in her writing. She speaks on issues of migrant workers, human rights, and more.

Recent Posts

New Exit Rule for Expats in Kuwait: Key Details Inside

Kuwait is implementing a significant policy change: expatriate private sector employees must now secure an official exit permit from their…

June 11, 2025

Ria Launches Digital Wallet for Unbanked Migrant Workers—Know the Benefits

Ria Money Transfer has launched its Ria Wallet app which aims to assist one of the most underserved populations of…

June 11, 2025

50 Years of Australia’s Racial Discrimination Act – What Does It Really Mean Today?

The 50th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 is one of the highlight events in Australia’s human rights history.…

June 11, 2025

Google Layoffs Ahead? Buyouts Offered to Employees—Know the Details

Reports indicate that Google is preparing to conduct another round of layoffs, this time voluntarily offering exit packages (buyouts) to…

June 11, 2025

The New Career Currency: Why Top Talent Now Demands Both Big Salaries AND Work-Life Balance

The labor market in India is modernizing the expectations for any employment where paychecks were a major consideration, workers now…

June 10, 2025

ITR Filing 2025: Is Landlord’s PAN Mandatory to Claim HRA?

For Assessment Year 2025-26, the Income Tax Department has broadened its disclosure requirements for salaried taxpayers who are claiming House…

June 10, 2025