The Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation in Uganda, Ambassador Atillio Pacifici, has called upon Government to lift the suspension on the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) project.

While celebrating the Europe Day on Monday, Ambassador Pacifici, pointed out that several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government institutions across the country have downscaled activities after the government suspended operations of DGF.

The Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation in Uganda, Ambassador Atillio Pacifici. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

“The project is under suspension and the many high-level meetings held to identify a way forward to unblock the project are yet to yield results. This is worrying to us as we believe there is a need to support civil society and human rights defenders and to cooperate more to improve access to justice, gender equality and education,” Pacifici said.

In February 2021, President Museveni suspended DGF operations in Uganda, sparking uncertainty and panic over the future of about 74 civil society organisations in the country that were funded by donors.

The ambassador also condemned acts of human rights violations by security officers.

“We noted in the past years, illegal detention, violations of fundamental freedoms, environmental offences. All these fuels misgivings, distrust towards State institutions and grievances. We hope Government will find the will and the strength to listen to the many friends it has around the world. We are all keen to help your beautiful and friendly country,” Pacifici said.

During the colourful event at the Ambassador’s residence in Kololo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja thanked the European Union for being a true friend of Uganda.

“European Union is one of the major development partners we have. We appreciate the support that you have put in refugees and host communities, we are thankful for investors that have put money for creating jobs for young people, thus being able to pay taxes,” Nabbanja said.

May 9 is an annual opportunity to celebrate the EU’s achievements and to reflect on its aims: peace, freedom, prosperity and working together. Since 1975, Uganda and the EU have entertained a solid and vibrant partnership. This year’s theme was“European Union of the future”.