The non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector in Uganda is operating under unprecedented fear and intimidation, according to Sarah Bireete, Executive Director of Center for Constitutional Governance (CCG),
Bireete says the culture of self-censorship has escalated, with some organisations now “hiding under their beds” rather than openly addressing issues affecting citizens.
“We invited the sector to talk about issues affecting us, but only eight organisations turned up out of 30. This is a sign that those of us who had come forward as a voice of the citizens are now hiding under the bed,” she said.
Bireete described the situation as a “demonstration of how fear and intimidation has killed the sector,” warning that the chilling effect on civic engagement is profound.
She also challenged misleading reports on NGO funding, specifically disputing claims made by the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) that organisations received UGX 70 billion in a single year.
“That is fake news. It is not possible for an NGO to receive such money as funding for one year,” Bireete said, calling on the FIA to provide evidence supporting their claims.
The remarks underscore the sector’s growing concern over administrative overreach, arbitrary suspensions, and aggressive rhetoric from authorities, which civil society actors argue threatens service delivery, accountability, and democratic participation in Uganda.
Bireete concluded by calling for the protection of NGOs as essential partners in national development and urged the state to respect the constitutional rights to association and civic engagement.