Amuria to kick out briefcase NGOs

Authorities in Amuria district have announced plans to crack down on groups masquerading as community based organizations (CBOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and those misappropriating funds from donors.

Paul Edotu the assistant chief administrative officer said the district will also come up with stringent measures to map out NGOs and ensure accountability in the sector.

Edotu said they intend to come up with a list of registered organizations in the country that they will share with donors to verify such societies before funding them.

The move follows increase in a number of groups masquerading as CBOs and NGOs operating in the district especially at sub-county level without sanction from the district authorities.

According to Edotu, as a district they are also putting on notice members who are not transparent and accountable in their operations.

He lamented that such acts by CBOs and NGOs contravenes with NGOs law and policy which requires NGOs to sign a memorandum of understanding with the district.

"We will not allow any non-governmental organization that misuses funds meant to benefit the public for their own use to continue operating," said Edotu said.

Edotu is optimistic that flushing out unregistered organizations could help protect Amuria residents from fraudsters who target them through non-existing attractive projects.

However, he has urged the community of Amuria to demand for more information from persons who claim to be representing particular CBOs or NGOs before engaging in an agreement.