The Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center strongly condemns the decision by Uganda’s National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO Bureau) to suspend the operations of Chapter Four Uganda, a leading human rights organization, in a move that further undermines civic space and democratic participation ahead of Uganda’s elections scheduled for January 15.
Chapter Four Uganda is an independent, non-partisan, and not-for-profit organization based in Kampala, dedicated to the protection of civil liberties and the promotion of human rights. The organization is widely recognized for its strategic litigation and advocacy on critical human rights issues, including criminal justice reform, gender-based violence, and the protection of marginalized and vulnerable communities. Through its work, Chapter Four Uganda has played a key role in strengthening the rule of law and advancing accountability in Uganda.
On Friday, January 9, 2026, the NGO Bureau suspended Chapter Four’s operating permit with immediate effect, citing alleged “intelligence information” claiming the organization was involved in activities in violation of Article 42(d) of the Non-Governmental Organisations Act, Cap. 109 (as amended). This provision broadly prohibits organizations from engaging in acts deemed “prejudicial to the security and laws of Uganda”. The Bureau ordered Chapter Four to cease all operations pending investigations and stated that the organisation would be given an opportunity to be heard during the process.
“The weaponization of vague laws and attacks on the right to freedom of association during electoral periods directly violate the right to vote,” said Ikechukwu Uzoma, Senior Staff Attorney at the Kennedy Human Rights Center. “Such repressive actions undermine the integrity of elections and weaken democracy at its core. All stakeholders, including the African Union, must act now.”
This suspension comes amid a broader and intensifying crackdown on civic space in Uganda ahead of the January 15 elections, marked by the targeting of human rights defenders, journalists, opposition figures, and civil society organizations. In recent months, authorities have arrested and harassed prominent civil society leaders, including Sarah Bireete, Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance. At the same time, increasingly restrictive legislation, including the Public Order Management Act and the Anti-Terrorism Act, has been arbitrarily and discriminatorily applied to stifle freedoms, undermining the work of human rights defenders and independent media. In October 2025, the government revoked the accreditation of all major outlets under the Nation Media Group to cover presidential and parliamentary proceedings. Journalists have also faced physical assault, arbitrary accreditation revocations, and the confiscation or destruction of equipment.
We urge the Government of Uganda to immediately lift the suspension of Chapter Four, ensure that all regulatory actions comply with international human rights standards, and protect fundamental freedoms ahead of and beyond the January 15 elections. We also call on the government to desist from attacks against citizens and human rights defenders during this election period.