EXTENSION OF DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY ACT, 2019

CIRCULAR No. 2 of 2022 DATED 31st OCTOBER 2022

TO: ALL NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS(NGOs)

EXTENSION OF DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY ACT, 2019

On the 7th day of October, 2022, the National Bureau for NGOs (NGO Bureau) issued a Circular No. 1 of 2022 reminding all Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) of the requirement to register with the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO) under the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019 not later than 31st October 2022. On the 26th day of October, 2022 the NGO Bureau received a petition from 109 NGOs led by the Defenders Protection Initiative requesting for an extension of the deadline due to the need to conduct awareness on this Act and its regulations.

The NGO Bureau consulted its stakeholders including the PDPO and took into consideration the grounds for the petition and appreciated the need to grant the extension. This is to hereby notify all NGOs that the deadline of 31st October 2022 for registration with the PDPO has been extended by one month to the 30th day of November 2022. Please note that there shall not be any further extension of the deadline.

With effect from 1st December 2022, PDPO will start enforcement measures against organizations/persons who have not registered as required by law. In addition, it will affect the services offered by the NGO Bureau to the non-compliant NGOs.

You are reminded that the registration is done online by following the steps below: 

1. Visit the PDPO website at https://www.pdpo.go.ug/register and create an account.

2. You will receive login details by email from PDPO and commence registration.

3. Make an assessment on the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) website www.ura.go.ug of UGX. 100,000 to generate a Payment Registration Number (PRN).

4. Ensure you provide details of a person to act as your Data Protection Officer, the persons or bodies with whom you may disclose personal data you collect, such as URA, National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and any third parties.

5. Form 3 should be signed and commissioned by a Commissioner for Oaths as an attestation to the submitted application for registration. Attach the proof of payment as well.

The PDPO has provided various channels through which you can get more information and assistance with the registration, such as the Government of Uganda Service Desk at servicedesk@gou.go.ug/ registration@pdpo.go.ug or through their WhatsApp number +256 785 807 169 or calling them on +256 759 848 259/ +256 417 801 053. You are also encouraged to visit their YouTube channel “PDPO Uganda” or visit their offices at Palm Courts on Rotary Avenue (formerly Lugogo Bypass) to obtain more information on the registration process.

The NGO Bureau and PDPO will also conduct weekly virtual sessions on Wednesdays at 10am to support those undertaking the registration process. More details will be shared on the two regulators’ social media platforms.

Okello Stephen

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR