{UAH} Uganda activists warn NGO bill would 'gag' criticism

Uganda activists warn NGO bill would 'gag' criticism

 

33 minutes ago

Two painted piglets are outside the Uganda parliament building on June 17, 2014 in Kampala. Two Ugandan men who sneaked piglets into the east African nation's parliament to protest against corruption have been sent to prison awaiting trial, and the animals impounded as evidence, relatives said on 19 June. Officials said the protestors had painted the piglets in the colours of the ruling party of President Yoweri Museveni, one of Africa's longest serving leaders, and had written slogans insulting MPs as corrupt on the animals. AFP PHOTO/str (AFP Photo/-)

Kampala (AFP) - Ugandan rights groups called on parliament Thursday to reject a bill that would give authorities sweeping powers to regulate NGOs, warning the legislation would place a "stranglehold" on criticism of the government.

The bill states that "rapid growth of NGOs has led to subversive methods of work and activities", and argues that these "undermine accountability and transparency in the sector".

But activists and civil society groups say the legislation would give the government unprecedented powers, including the ability to shut down groups and jail members.

Thirteen Ugandan and international groups have called for the draft law to be amended, arguing that its provisions are overly broad and vague, particularly one which requires organisations not to engage "in any activity...contrary to the dignity of the people of Uganda".

"We know that this law would not stand a chance in a democratic society," Winnie Ngabiirwe, executive director of Global Rights Alert (GRA), told a press conference in Kampala.

Under the bill, Uganda's internal affairs minister and national board for NGOs would have powers to supervise, approve, inspect and dissolve an organisation if "it is in the public interest to do so."

Operating without a permit could result in fines, prosecution and jail sentences of up to eight years for organisation directors.

Activists warned the restrictions would "gag" civil society.

Maria Burnett from Human Rights Watch (HRW), said the notion of NGO workers being locked up for doing something such as documenting a land eviction was "terrifying".

"Who is there to define the dignity of Ugandans," she questioned, declaring the country needed more, not less democratic space in the run-up to next year's national elections.

Activists have warned the bill in its current form would lead to a crackdown on organisations working on sensitive issues, such as oil, land issues and corruption.

Dennis Odwe, executive director of Action Group for Health Human Rights and HIV/AIDS, said the legislation could also be used against gay rights bodies.

"There is no clear definition of a subversive activity," he said.

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Gwokto La'Kitgum

"Even a small dog can piss on a tall Building", Jim Hightower

Le Montréal d'amour d'I

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