KAMPALA
The National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO Bureau) has suspended, with immediate effect, the operating permit of Chapter Four Uganda, citing security concerns.
In a directive issued on Monday, the Bureau said the decision followed intelligence reports alleging that the organisation was involved in activities “prejudicial to the security and the laws of Uganda,” contrary to Section 42(d) of the NGO Act, Cap 109 (as amended).
“The Bureau has suspended the operations of Chapter Four Uganda pending the conclusion of investigations,” the notice reads, adding that the organisation must immediately cease all activities countrywide.
The Bureau said investigations will be conducted “within a reasonable time,” and noted that Chapter Four Uganda will be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations during the course of the probe.
Copies of the suspension notice have been forwarded to the Inspector General of Police for enforcement, the Registrar General at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau, and the Executive Director of the Uganda Bankers Association to alert financial institutions of the development.
Chapter Four Uganda is a leading human rights organisation that advocates for access to justice, particularly for vulnerable, underrepresented and discriminated-against communities, including people facing political persecution, sexual orientation-based discrimination and socio-economic marginalisation.
The suspension comes weeks after the arrest of Sarah Bireete, the executive director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance, who is currently on remand at Luzira Prison over allegations of displaying voter registration details without the consent of the Electoral Commission.
Efforts to obtain an immediate comment from officials of Chapter Four Uganda were unsuccessful by press time.
