The UN Human Rights Office has expressed deep worries over the internet restrictions and suspension of 10 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Uganda. The move comes just days ahead of the country’s National elections, scheduled for Thursday, January 14. The suspension was announced by the Ugandan National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organisations on Wednesday, January 13. The decision has sparked widespread serious concerns among rights groups and election observers.
UN Human Rights Office Raises Concerns Over Civic Space
In a statement shared on social media, the UN Human Rights Office publicly condemned Uganda’s move to suspend 10 NGOs. It warned that both the NGO suspensions and internet shutdown could disrupt genuine democratic participation.
“Internet restrictions & suspension of 10 NGOs ahead of elections tomorrow are deeply worrying. Open access to communication & information is key to free & genuine elections. All Ugandans must be able to take part in shaping their future,” said the organization.
This intervention from the UN Human Rights adds international weight to calls for transparency and democratic principles during elections. It also underscores Uganda’s obligations under international law and the importance of upholding global norms.
#Uganda: Internet restrictions & suspension of 10 NGOs ahead of elections tomorrow are deeply worrying.
Open access to communication & information is key to free & genuine elections.
All Ugandans must be able to take part in shaping their future & the future of their… pic.twitter.com/JrvRBWhnqK
— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) January 14, 2026
Uganda’s National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organisations confirmed that 10 organisations were ordered to halt operations indefinitely. This happened after authorities reported to have received intelligence that they were involved in activities prejudicial to the law of Uganda.’
The National Bureau added that investigations would determine the organisation’s chances of resuming work, but they failed to provide a timeline.
The suspended organisations are: The National NGO Forum, Chapter Four Uganda, the Alliance For Election Finance Monitoring (ACFIM), the Human Rights Network For Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-U), and the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders in Uganda (NCHRD-U)
Following the suspension of these NGOs, each received a letter containing allegations of violations. Previously, several international nonprofits operating in the region have shuttered their operations amid rising government interference and funding cuts.
A Pattern Of Restrictions On Civil Society
Suspending civil society organisations is not a new development in Uganda, especially during politically sensitive periods. Uganda had previously closed several NGO’s in 2024 for regulatory violations.
Later in August 2021, Chapter Four Uganda and 53 other organisations were also suspended over claims of non-compliance.
In late 2025, the German-funded Strengthening Governance and Civil Society Programme (GCSP) was accused of engaging in subversive activities and was temporarily shut down.