UG
Ministry of Internal Affairs
About the Bureau
A semi-autonomous body mandated to coordinate, register, regulate, and monitor all Non-Governmental Organizations operating in Uganda.
Our Vision
To create a vibrant and accountable NGO sector enabling citizens' advancement and self-transformation.
Core Functions
What We Do
Register NGOs
Process applications for registration of all categories of NGOs in Uganda.
Monitor Operations
Monitor the activities of registered NGOs to ensure compliance with approved work plans.
Regulate the Sector
Enforce the NGO Act and regulations governing the operation of NGOs.
Coordinate Stakeholders
Facilitate coordination between NGOs, government, and development partners.
Ensure Accountability
Promote transparency and accountability in the NGO sector.
Build Capacity
Provide training and capacity building for NGO governance and management.
Our Journey
History & Milestones
1989
NGO Registration Board Established
The NGO Registration Board was established under the Non-Governmental Organizations Registration Act, 1989 to register and regulate NGOs in Uganda.
2006
NGO Act Cap 113 Enacted
The Non-Governmental Organizations Act, 2006 (Cap 113) was enacted, creating the National Bureau for NGOs as the regulatory body.
2010
National NGO Policy
The National NGO Policy, 2010 was adopted, providing the policy framework for NGO regulation and coordination.
2016
New NGO Act Enacted
The Non-Governmental Organizations Act, 2016 was enacted, strengthening the regulatory framework with new categories, permits, and compliance requirements.
2017
NGO Regulations & Fees
The NGO Regulations, 2017 and NGO (Fees) Regulations, 2017 were gazetted, operationalising the 2016 Act.
2019
Inspection Guidelines
NGO Guidelines, 2019 and NGO (Inspections and Code of Inspectors) Guidelines issued for enhanced monitoring.
2020
Adjudication Rules
The NGO (Adjudication Committee Procedure) Rules, 2020 established the appeals mechanism for NGO decisions.
Governance
Legal Framework
NGO Act, 2016
Primary legislation governing registration, regulation, and monitoring of NGOs in Uganda.
NGO Regulations, 2017
Detailed regulations operationalising the NGO Act, 2016.
NGO (Fees) Regulations, 2017
Prescribed fee schedule for all Bureau services and penalties.
NGO Guidelines, 2019
Guidelines for NGO operations, compliance, and governance.
NGO (Adjudication Committee Procedure) Rules, 2020
Procedural rules for appeals against Bureau and monitoring committee decisions.
NGO (Inspections and Code of Inspectors) Guidelines, 2020
Framework for conducting NGO inspections and code of conduct for inspectors.
National NGO Policy, 2010
Policy framework for government-NGO relations and sector development.
Leadership
Our Team
Mr. Okello Stephen
Executive Director
Responsible for the overall administration and management of the Bureau.
Director of Registration
Registration Division
Oversees NGO registration, permit renewal, and name reservation services.
Director of Compliance
Compliance Division
Manages compliance monitoring, inspections, and annual returns.
Director of Coordination
Coordination Division
Coordinates activities between NGOs, government, and development partners.