{UAH} Shutting down of DGF is shrinking space

Shutting down of DGF is shrinking space

In a January 2, 2021 letter, President Museveni directed the immediate shutdown of the activities of the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF).

DGF is the biggest donor fund in Uganda. It runs with support of Austria, Denmark, Ireland, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the European Union.

It supports quite a number of organizations, some of which have been instrumental in empowering women to participate in politics, offering free legal services, helping in drafting national budgets and various activities that have contributed greatly in the development of our country.

DGF has been known for its role in harmonising and coordinating support to state and non-state partners to strength democracy, protect human rights, improve justice and enhance accountability in Uganda.

Shutting down the activities of DGF is not only a blockage of the activities of the actors they fund but also a detriment of service to the people of Uganda and its environment. These organizations reach deep down to the ordinary person and extend services.

They bail out citizens whose rights have been violated by the government programs and authorities. DGF's suspension is, therefore, more of waging a war against the space of non-government actors and it should be stopped immediately. The government should not involve these actors in their political wars.

The powers and independent oversight of non-state actors should be given their utmost respect because they are founded on law enacted by the parliament of Uganda. The government should suspend the activities of the DGF with reasons emanated from the laws of Uganda, but not just mere allegations.

An independent and empowered society is a fundamental pillar in a democratic system. And such society is created by the well functioning of independent non-actors like NGOs and CSOs.

Therefore, I urge the government to let these actors do their mandated job with free access to their funding as required by law. The freezing of accounts and arrest of NGO personalities like the famous lawyer Nicholas Opiyo, should be regarded as regrettable mistakes.

Brighton Aryampa,

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"When a man is stung by a bee, he doesn't set off to destroy all beehives"

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