Back off politics, minister tells NGOs

By Moses Walubiri

The minister of Internal Affairs, Hillary Onek has advised Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) to keep to their official activities instead of dabbling in divisive local politics.

During the launch of the second annual National Civil Society fair in Kampala, Onek, as guest of honor, noted that NGOs that digress from their roles for which they are registered have occasioned frosty relationship with government.

While acknowledging the integral role of NGOs in socio-economic transformation of society, the minister decried the tendency of some "cowardly politicians" hiding behind the cloak of NGOs to execute their political goals.

"There is need for more regulation and supervision of NGOs in order to avoid unnecessary disharmony. There are some NGOs which have taken to politicking, which is spoiling the good name of NGOs. If someone wants to join the arena of politics, let him register a political party," Onek said.

Onek gave the example of Oxfam and Uganda Land Alliance for "peddling lies about land grabbing in Uganda," which has put the country in bad light.

"Where is the land grabbing these NGOs are talking about? These NGOs require rigorous regulation because some of them control bigger budgets than entire districts," Onek said.  

On account of the acerbic Oxfam report on land grabbing, the minister directed all NGOs to endeavor to share their research findings with relevant government ministries before releasing them for public consumption.

Onek lauded the civil society for being central in shaping government policies, especially on the enactment of laws that address gender issues.

The Executive Director of Uganda National NGO forum, Richard Ssewakiryanga called upon registered NGOs to tailor their activities to uplifting the livelihoods of the communities they serve.

Held under the theme - Act together, shape the future; civil society in Uganda at 50 years - the two day event is tailored to showcasing the work of more than 400 NGOs taking part in the fair.

The event will also provide an opportunity for reflection about the trajectory the 'NGO world' has taken over the last 50 years and what the future holds in light of the challenging economic environment in donor countries.

The Uganda NGO Registration Board under Internal Affairs ministry registers all NGOs in the country, and according to Onek, over 11,000 are registered.

However, an NGO can be de-registered in case it dabbles in activities that are either deemed a security risk or breaches other state laws.