Original Letters (Click to Read)
A bitter dispute has erupted between the Lwengo District NGO Forum and the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Lwengo District, Mr. Lujumwa Nathan. The NGO Forum has accused the CAO of abuse of office, maliciously frustrating their operations, and coercing district officials to apologize for performing their duties.
At the heart of the dispute are two recommendation letters issued by the CAO’s office in March 2024, which the NGO Forum relied on to obtain a Certificate of Operation from the NGO Bureau. However, when Mr. Lujumwa Nathan assumed office, he alleged that the letters were forged.
The NGO Forum has condemned the CAO’s actions as “intentional, malicious, frivolous, and vexatious,” and has appealed to the Attorney General’s office to intervene and compel the CAO to issue a Memorandum of Understanding, enabling the NGO to execute its mandate.
The NGO Forum’s accusations against the CAO are serious and highlight the challenges faced by civil society organizations in Uganda.
The Forum has been operating in Lwengo District, promoting accountability, respect for the rule of law, and community development. However, the CAO’s actions have hindered their efforts, creating an uncertain environment for the NGO and its stakeholders.
The dispute has also raised concerns about the independence and autonomy of civil society organizations in Uganda. The NGO Forum has called on the government to ensure that NGOs are allowed to operate freely, without interference or harassment from state officials.
The Forum’s appeal to the Attorney General’s office is seen as a test case for the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of civil society organizations.
In a letter to the Attorney General, the NGO Forum’s leadership expressed their frustration with the CAO’s actions, stating that his behavior was “contrary to the laws of Uganda” and “intended to frustrate the fully registered NGO from executing its mandate.”
The Forum has requested the Attorney General’s office to intervene urgently, to prevent further abuse of office and ensure that the NGO can continue its work without hindrance.
The outcome of this dispute will be closely watched by civil society organizations and human rights activists in Uganda. The case has highlighted the need for greater protection and support for NGOs, which play a critical role in promoting democracy, human rights, and development in Uganda.