Parliamentary Committee Demands Action on Delayed NGO Adjudication Committee

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC-Central Government) has raised serious concerns regarding the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ failure to constitute a crucial NGO Adjudication Committee. This oversight body is legally mandated to handle appeals and disputes related to NGO operations, including registration, renewals, and suspensions. The committee highlighted that since the NGO Bureau was rationalized in 2024, abolishing the previous NGO Board, the ministry has neglected to form its replacement.

Committee Chairperson Hon. Patrick Oshabe stated that the extended delay has led to numerous complaints from NGOs, with some alleging that the absence of the committee is being exploited to stifle their work. He questioned whether personal gain was motivating certain officials to prolong this process, referencing a petition presented to the committee.

Echoing these concerns, Shadow Minister for Internal Affairs Hon. Denes Sekabira presented a petition from citizens, emphasizing that any decisions made by the ministry concerning NGOs without the adjudication committee in place are unlawful. He criticized the perceived lack of urgency in nominating members for the President’s approval, suggesting the delay is intentional.

Members of Parliament pressed the ministry for details on who is currently managing NGO operations in the absence of the official committee, but the ministry could not provide a clear answer. The Under Secretary, Dorothy Nsereko, cited changes in political leadership as the reason for the delay, a justification MPs found insufficient. However, she assured the committee that efforts are underway to have the adjudication committee operational by the end of 2026.

Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4628/pac-demands-answers-over-delay-constitution-ngo-adjudication-committee