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The National Bureau for NGOs (NGO Bureau) is a semi-autonomous body under the Ministry of Internal Affairs established by the NGO Act 2016. The Act mandates it to register, regulate, coordinate, inspect, monitor and oversee all NGO operations in the country.
The Bureau has a governing body that is the board of directors and these oversee implementation of the Bureau’s policies and programs in the organizations’ sector, below the board is an Executive Director appointed by the minister on the recommendation of the board of directors who is responsible for the day to day operations of the Bureau. To fully carry out its mandate, the Bureau works with other stakeholders like the DNMCs (District monitoring Committees), Government ministries departments and agencies, Office of the Prime minister, Media, and Security agencies among others.
Mandate
The Bureau was established with the purpose to Register, Regulate, coordinate, Inspect, Monitor and Oversee all NGO operations in the country.
| VISION | MISSION | GOAL |
| To create a vibrant and accountable NGO sector enabling citizens’ advancement and self-transformation. | To provide an enabling environment for the empowerment of the NGO sector through registration, regulation. | To set out a framework that strengthens the relationship between the NGO sector and Government, and enhance capacities and effectiveness in the areas of service delivery, advocacy and community empowerment |
Sector Values
These are held in the highest regard at all times and they are form basis in everything we do and in all our interactions as the Bureau
- Respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms with regard to social, cultural and religious beliefs and practices, which rights will be exercised responsibly.
- Freedom of association and independence of individuals and NGOs within the overall framework of the law.
- Voluntarism and respect for diversity within the NGO sector.
- The right of NGOs to autonomy, self-governance and self-regulation consistent with the laws of Uganda.
- Dignity, mutual respect and trust underpinned by open dialogue, transparency and accountability.
- Gender equity and equality
- Professionalism
Key strategic objectives:
- Enhance effective, efficient and client-centered service delivery at the NGO Bureau;
- Enhance stakeholder awareness of the NGO Bureau services;
- Strengthen the legal, policy and regulatory framework for the NGO sector;
- Improve accountability, transparency and credibility in the NGO sector;
- Strengthen the institutional capacity of the NGO Bureau to effectively execute its mandate.
OUR FUNCTIONS
- Advise the minister on the general policy relating to the operations of organizations.
- Formulate, develop and issue policy guidelines for DNMCs, CBOs and SNMCs for the effective and efficient monitoring of the operations of the organizations.
- Establish branch offices of the Bureau.
- Make recommendations to the relevant authorities with regard to employment of non-citizens by an organization.
- Coordinate establishment and functions of a National Non- Governmental. Organizations’ consultative and dialogue platform.
- Establish and maintain a register of organizations.
- Conduct background checks and scrutinize the credentials and status of all international NGOs seeking to register and operate in Uganda. Only legitimate NGOs are to be allowed to operate in Uganda.
- Consider new applications for registration and renewal of permits by Non-Governmental Organizations including NGO umbrellas/networks/clusters.
- Work closely with the sector lead Ministry, line Ministries, NGO umbrella Organizations and other stakeholders to prepare and disseminate widely, periodic official reports, on the status, contribution and impact of the NGO sector to national development.
- Keep a register of all registered NGOS.
- Monitor compliance by all registered NGOs with the terms and conditions of their certificate of registration/incorporation and their Constitution
- Coordinate Government engagement with other NGO sector stakeholders including umbrella organizations to promote responsible and accountable conduct amongst NGO sector actors in the country.