Otafiire swallows NGO Bureau

Uganda dissolves NGO Bureau, streamlining its operations within Internal Affairs ministry

KAMPALA – In a significant move aimed at rationalising government operations, Internal Affairs Minister Kahinda Otafiire has signed Statutory Instrument 2024 No. 73, officially dissolving the NGO Bureau as a semi-autonomous entity.

This decision marks a shift in the management of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Uganda, bringing the bureau back under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The statutory instrument, signed in accordance with section one of the Non-Governmental Organisations Act, effectively transitions the bureau to a departmental status within the ministry.

As part of this restructuring, the NGO Bureau will now be headed by a secretary, who will operate under the supervision of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

This restructuring is part of a broader initiative by the Ugandan government to streamline agencies, ministries, and departments to cut costs and improve efficiency.

According to the new legal framework, the secretary will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the bureau, including the management of funds, administration, and oversight of the bureau’s property.

Furthermore, the Non-Tax Revenue generated from the registration of NGOs will be integrated into the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Earlier this year, Members of Parliament highlighted the financial benefits of dissolving the NGO Board, stating that the move could save the government approximately Shs1.1 billion annually.

This figure reflects the costs associated with facilitating the NGO Board and its adjudication committee.

The dissolution of the NGO Bureau is expected to enhance the oversight and regulation of non-governmental organisations while reducing administrative burdens on the government, aligning with the government's ongoing efforts to improve fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency.