Kampala, (UG):- The government of Uganda has dissolved the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) Bureau as a semi-autonomous entity in a significant move aimed at rationalising government operations.
The dissolution of the Bureau came after the Minister of Internal Affairs, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire signed Statutory Instrument 2024 No. 73 re-establishing the bureau as a department within the Ministry in a shift towards centralized control and increased oversight.
The NGO Bureau, which had operated with some degree of autonomy since its inception, has now been fully integrated into the Ministry’s structure.
According to officials, the primary aim of this shift is to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and ensure that the regulation of NGOs aligns more closely with the government’s priorities.
“Bringing the NGO Bureau under direct ministerial control will not only enhance our ability to monitor and regulate NGO activities but will also improve coordination with other departments within the Ministry of Internal Affairs,” said Minister Otafiire. “This is part of a broader strategy to ensure that NGOs are operating transparently and contributing positively to Uganda’s development agenda.”
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.
In a statement, the Ministry emphasized that the reorganization is intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of NGO operations in Uganda, allowing for better resource allocation and stronger collaboration between NGOs and the government.
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.
As Uganda continues to face complex social and economic challenges, the role of NGOs remains crucial. How this new departmental structure will affect their operations and relationships with the government remains to be seen.
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