NGO/CBO compliance and regulations in Uganda, including "statutory membership registers and a general overview of legal requirements for NGOs in Uganda."



Brief Report: Networking, Collaboration and Partnership Building with the aim to strengthen the capacities of existing network organizations through peer learning.

Topic: NGO/CBO compliance and regulations in Uganda, including "statutory membership registers and a general overview of legal requirements for NGOs in Uganda."

This was virtual meeting organized by USAID/ Civil Society Strengthening Activity (CSSA) and DENIVA for two-hour session on Networking, Collaboration and Partnership Building with the aim to strengthen the capacities of existing network organizations through peer learning.

Date:  Thursday, September 21, 2023

Time: 2pm to 4pm

Venue: Zoom

Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83752442763?pwd=QiYwaWQt0zB940mMyIcWy8PNhiyojl.1

Meeting ID: 837 5244 2763

Passcode: 983748

Specially the Session focused on NGO/CBO compliance and regulations in Uganda, including "statutory membership registers and a general overview of legal requirements for NGOs in Uganda."

Key Highlights and Take-Home Points

The meeting was very fruitful, and the USAID legal representative remained stakeholders on two important aspects namely;

1.      NGO Bureau Act 2016

https://media.ulii.org/files/legislation/akn-ug-act-2016-5-eng-2016-03-03.pdf

a)      Ensuring that Organisations/CBO for instance PHSTU member Organisations  file their Annual returns with the district, URSB, NGO Bureau, URA, and NSSF.

b)      Ensuring evidence of strong and functional  cooperate governance for instance regular meetings with management and Board of Directors for key decision-making processes.

c)      Ensuring regular members and stakeholder engagement through the Annual  General Meeting (AGM). The presenter indicated that most NGOs hold AGMS with programme participants (Beneficiaries) with less column of the registered members and that does not constitute AGM. Any resolution made in such meetings are not valid and can be challenged.

d)      Ensure that all resolutions classified as key and important resolutions are registered with the registral before Implementation. Such resolutions may include; Buying or selling land for the company, Change or removal of directors or bank signatories.

e)      Need to register with the Data Protection Unit and Filling Data Protection Returns within 3 months after the closure of the Financial year. Organisations were encouraged to have data protection officers and policies.

f)       Link for NGO Bureau Forms: https://ngobureau.go.ug/staging/en/ngo-bureau-forms

g)      Regularly to check the National NGO Register status of your Organisation. We were reminded that being registered does not guarantee active status as longer as an Organisation does not file  annual returns. https://ngobureau.go.ug/staging/en/updated-national-ngo-register

2.      NGO Anti Money Laundering Act

a)      Organisations are supposed to carry out self-assessment every after 3 years  for politically exposed persons.

b)      Report transactions of UGX 20M to FIA

c)      To carry our enhanced due diligence (EDD) and ensure strong internal controls financial management systems.

d)      Ensure presence of function audit processes both external and Internal Audit and proper procurement process in your organisation.

e)      Train staff on Ant Money Laundering Act and Fraud.

I hope this brief report will help you address the existing gaps in your Organisation.


Compiled by 

Samuel Waliggo, MPH

Honest Bukirwa

Chris Mungoma


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Breaking the Barriers: Supporting Grandmother-Headed Households for Better Health Outcomes.

Image
  In many communities, grandmother-headed households are often overlooked, with the assumption that they are self-sufficient due to the large number of family members living together. However, a closer examination of these households reveals a different reality. In Kimaanya-Kabonera Division of Masaka City, our organization, MOD Public Health Foundation, has been working with grandmother-headed households, and our findings are eye-opening. One such household in New Kumbu Village, which is assumed to be self-sufficient, tells a different story. The grandmother, who is the head of the household, is not earning a steady income, making it challenging for her to provide for the basic needs of the 12 grandchildren under her care. The children are at a critical age of rapid growth and development, requiring regular meals, proper care, and attention to their individual needs. The lack of targeted care and support has led to visible signs of malnutrition, missed opportunities for nutrition ...
Read more

Empowering Communities through Education for Climate Smart Activities: The Nook Principles in Action

Image
Photo: MOD Supporting adaptation to Climate Smart Plans exhibited by Mpugwe Primary School, Masaka City. The Nook Principles, a community-led approach to education, are being successfully applied by selected partners of MOD Public Health Foundation. This innovative approach empowers communities to take ownership of their learning, promoting self-determined education and community development. By partnering with local schools and organizations, MOD Public Health Foundation is promoting the Nook Principles, which enable communities to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement interventions. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members, who become their own teachers and learners. The Nook Principles are being applied in various contexts, including waste management, recycling, tree-planting, and addressing social issues such as gender-based violence. By empowering communities to take action, MOD Public Health Foundation is promoting sustai...
Read more

Breaking the Cycle of Gender-Based Violence in Greater Masaka: Robert Sinoni's Story of Resilience

Image
Figure 1: Robert Sinoni is pictured with his loving family at their home in Lwankoni, a heartwarming representation of his journey towards healing, hope, and a brighter future. In Between 2023-2024, MOD Public Health Foundation strengthened access to Gender-Based Violence Prevention services for 250 households in Masaka and Kyotera districts. This initiative not only improved health outcomes but also enhanced household happiness, intimacy, and overall well-being. By addressing the root causes of gender-based violence, MOD Public Health Foundation is creating a safer and more supportive environment for individuals and families to thrive.  MOD Public Health Foundation is working tirelessly to reach out to households with high vulnerability and risks to gender-based violence in Lwankoni Sub-County, Kyotera District. The foundation's efforts aim to raise awareness about ending violence, promoting child rights, and eliminating violence against humanity. Lwankoni Sub-County is an area wh...
Read more