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BY ANDAMA MOSES

MASINDI

Steven Okello, the Executive Director NGO Bureau, the agency that regulates the work of NGOs in Uganda is concerned about the high level of donor dependence syndrome by NGOs in the country that he said makes their continuity uncertain.

Okello expressed the concern during the grand opening of a nursery and primary school buildings constructed by Shine Children’s Foundation in Miirya cell, Kigulya division, Masindi district

today.

Okello, who was the chief guest at the event, revealed that the number of NGOs in Uganda is increasing at a high rate but many of them are largely donor dependent and that many of them collapse once the donors withdraw the funding and yet they lack sustainability strategies.

The Bishop of Masindi Kitara diocese, George William Kasangaki who opened the school, warned the people against greed for money which drives them into committing evil acts like prostitution and corruption that has crippled the development of the country.

He urged the leaders of the shrine’s children foundation to do their work with honesty.

Denis Kiirya, the organization’s executive director explained that the organization that has been in existence for more than 10 years, strives to help the vulnerable children who cannot afford the school requirements.

He added that one of the interventions is constructing the school to give quality and affordable education to them. He listed constructing a health center, connecting the school to electricity, constructing a computer laboratory and a modern sports center to serve both the school and community as some of the organization’s future plans

By Aggrey Twesigye

MBARARA

Human Rights Defenders within the Civic Space and Movement are calling on the government to prioritize the rights of human rights defenders.

In a press conference held on Wednesday in Mbarara city, Barnabas Tugumisirize, the Programs Manager at Civic Space and Movement (CISMO), announced plans for nationwide initiatives to support human rights defenders in preserving their diminishing civic freedoms. He highlighted their goal to provide comprehensive training in both physical and digital skills to these defenders.

Tugumisirize also outlined their intention to establish committees at regional and national levels dedicated to documenting all instances of human rights violations.

Julian Kihembo, the coordinator of the Rural Women Defenders Network, pointed out that many individuals, particularly in rural areas, are still unfamiliar with their civic rights. She emphasized their intention to raise awareness and expand civic education to empower citizens.

Sharon Ndyamusiima, the National Coordinator for Civic Space and Movement, disclosed their plans to collaborate with security forces to uphold order while respecting human rights.

She mentioned the establishment of 200 groups nationwide aimed at reporting human rights abuses, particularly as the country approaches the 2026 general election.

By Aggrey Twesigye

MBARARA

Activists under the Friends of Women Initiative (FROWI) have launched a nationwide campaign aimed at mobilizing citizens to resist land grabbing and forced evictions. The initiative, unveiled during a press briefing in Mbarara City, seeks to empower communities across Uganda to defend their land rights through legal education and advocacy.

Bonny Beinomugisha, the legal officer of Friends of Women Initiative, outlined the campaign’s objectives and strategies. She emphasized the importance of educating citizens about their land rights and equipping them with knowledge of land laws. Beinomugisha stressed that raising awareness among the populace is crucial to combating land grabbing and ensuring equitable access to land resources.

In her address to the press, Beinomugisha called upon government officials, community leaders, judges, and lawyers to actively uphold land and property rights. She urged them to reject land grabbing and resolve conflicts fairly and transparently. Additionally, she appealed to agencies like the Uganda Land Commission to take firm action against officials colluding with land grabbers.

Highlighting concerns about security forces’ involvement in illegal evictions, Beinomugisha urged police and the army to refrain from supporting land grabbers. She urged security personnel to uphold the law and protect residents from unlawful evictions.

The FROWI campaign signals a concerted effort to combat land injustices and promote social justice across Uganda. As the initiative gains momentum, activists anticipate broad public support in safeguarding communities against the threats of land grabbing and forced displacements.