Bill threatens Rights, Independent Groups

(Kampala) – A proposed bill to regulate nongovernmental groups would severely curb Ugandans’ basic rights, Chapter Four Uganda and Human Rights Watch said today. The bill would subject groups to such extensive government control and interference that it could negate the very essence of freedom of association and expression. A complete version of the bill was published in the government gazette on April 10, 2015, and is expected to be debated in parliament soon.

The new Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) bill would grant the internal affairs minister and the National Board for Non-governmental Organisations broad powers to supervise, approve, inspect, and dissolve all nongovernmental organizations and community based organizations, and would impose severe criminal penalties for violations. Among several troubling, broad, and vaguely worded provisions, one article would require all organizations to “not engage in any activity which is … contrary to the dignity of the people of Uganda.” Read more