Gov’t Suspends Chapter Four Uganda Citing National Security Concerns Ahead of Elections
KAMPALA — The government has suspended the operations of prominent human rights organization Chapter Four Uganda with immediate effect, alleging the group is involved in activities “prejudicial to national security.”
The National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO Bureau), under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, issued the directive in a January 9 letter. It orders the organization to cease all activities pending investigations into alleged misconduct.
“The National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organizations receives intelligence information that Chapter Four Uganda is engaged in activities which are prejudicial to the security and the laws of Uganda,” stated the letter signed by the Bureau’s Secretary, Dr. Stephen Okello.
The suspension invokes Section 42(d) of the NGO Act. The Bureau emphasized that due to the “sensitive” nature of the national security allegations, the organization must halt operations until investigations conclude.
In a sign of the action’s severity, the NGO Bureau has formally requested the Inspector General of Police to ensure compliance. It has also notified the Uganda Registration Services Bureau and the Uganda Bankers Association to take note of the suspension.
The Bureau stated that Chapter Four Uganda will be given an opportunity to be heard during the investigation, which it pledged to conclude “within a reasonable time.”
This marks the second major suspension for the legal aid and advocacy group in recent years. In August 2021, its permit was suspended alongside several other civil society organizations over allegations of non-compliance with regulations. Chapter Four successfully challenged that indefinite suspension in the High Court, which in May 2022 ruled it was irregular and ordered a fair hearing, leading to the renewal of its permit.
The latest move comes as Uganda enters the final days before its general elections on Thursday, a period often characterized by increased scrutiny of civil society groups, their funding, and activities.
Chapter Four Uganda, founded by award-winning lawyer Nicholas Opiyo, has not issued an immediate public response. Efforts to reach Mr. Opiyo for comment were unsuccessful.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the NGO Bureau maintain the suspension is an administrative and lawful action, with the next steps dependent on the investigation’s outcome.
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