The Ugandan Parliament is due to debate a controversial Bill brought by government aimed at clipping the influence of Non-Governmental Organisations as the country gears up for the 2016 general elections.
While government argues that the Non-Governmental Organisations Registration (Amendment) Bill 2013 seeks to expand government powers to monitor NGO work, its opponents argue that it is intended to erode civil liberties and entrench political intolerance ahead of the general elections.
The new Bill would grant the internal affairs minister and the National Board for NGO broad powers to supervise, approve, inspect, and dissolve all non-governmental organisations and community based organisations, and would impose severe criminal penalties for violations.
Internal Affairs minister Gen. Aronda Nyakairima who presented the bill before parliament said the bill is a response to some NGOs' "subversive methods of work and activities which undermine accountability and transparency in the sector".
"If this bill is passed in its current form, it will obstruct the ability of all Ugandans to work collectively through local and international organisations on any research or advocacy that may be deemed critical of the government," said Nicholas Opiyo, executive director of Chapter Four Uganda, said in a statement issued here on April 20.
Under the Bill, organisations would be required to apply for an operating permit, which could be denied "where it is in the public interest to refuse to register the organisation, or . . . for any other reason that the Board may deem relevant." - Xinhua. Read more
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