Museveni Vows to end church registration as NGOs

President Yoweri Museveni has vowed to address the ongoing controversy surrounding the registration of new and modern churches as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Uganda.

Speaking at the Universal Church Mega Youth Crusade, organized by Prophet David Isanga of the Universal Apostles Fellowship Church of Righteousness in Kaliro, Museveni emphasized that a church should be recognised as a religious institution, not an NGO.

Museveni’s comments came in response to growing concerns from religious leaders and congregations who have argued that the current requirement for churches to register as NGOs undermines their religious autonomy.

Many have claimed that this classification subjects churches to unnecessary regulatory oversight and limits their ability to operate freely as places of worship.

"The issue of periodic registration of new churches as NGOs, we are going to resolve it. A church is a church, not an NGO," Museveni stated, reassuring the religious community that the government would take steps to rectify the situation.

The President's pledge has been welcomed by many church leaders, who see it as a significant step toward protecting the integrity and independence of religious institutions in Uganda.

However, it remains to be seen how the government will implement changes to the registration process and what impact this will have on the relationship between the state and religious organisations.

This development is part of a broader discussion in Uganda about the role of religion in society and the appropriate level of government involvement in religious affairs.

As the country continues to navigate these complex issues, Museveni’s commitment to resolving the registration dilemma has the potential to ease tensions and foster a more supportive environment for religious expression.