UG
Ministry of Internal Affairs
Our Services
Comprehensive services for NGO registration, compliance, monitoring, and support across Uganda.
Registration of a New NGO
The Bureau registers and maintains records of all NGOs operating in Uganda under the NGO Act, 2016. Organisations must obtain both a Certificate of Registration and a Permit of Operation before commencing activities.
Learn moreRenewal of Permit of Operation
The Bureau issues annual permits granting organisations permission to operate in Uganda. Organisations may apply for permits covering up to 5 years. Renewal applications must be submitted within six months before permit expiry.
Learn moreReview of Certificate or Permit
Organisations seeking to modify their Permit of Operation conditions may apply for a review. This covers change of objectives or geographical area, change of NGO type, change of name, or conversion from pre-2016 NGO Act format.
Learn moreReplacement of Certificate or Permit
Replace certificates or permits that have been lost, destroyed, or obliterated as to become illegible. A valid police letter documenting the loss or damage is required.
Learn moreNGO Annual Returns
All registered NGOs must submit annual returns at least once yearly, filing audited accounts and organisational reports. Non-CBO organisations use Form R; CBOs use Form S.
Learn moreRegistration of Self-Regulatory Body
A self-regulatory body is set up by registered organisations that have come together and agreed that the body exercises some degree of regulatory authority over them, as defined under Section 37(4) of the NGO Act, 2016.
Learn moreCertifying Documents
The Bureau provides certified copies of or extracts from documents maintained in the NGO register upon written application and payment of the prescribed fee.
Learn moreConducting Searches
Any person may inspect the NGO register and related documents maintained by the Bureau. A search report is issued upon completion of the inspection.
Learn moreComplaint Handling
The Bureau accepts complaints from individuals or organisations alleging NGO non-compliance with the NGO Act, 2016 or the NGO Regulations, 2017. Complaints may be submitted in hardcopy or via the online complaint form.
Learn moreAppeals
The NGO Act, 2016 established an Adjudication Committee for appeals against decisions of the Sub-county NGO Monitoring Committee, District NGO Monitoring Committee, or the Bureau. Appeals must be filed within 45 days.
Learn moreIssuance of Inspection Reports
The Bureau conducts investigations and provides inspection report copies subject to the Access to Information Act, 2005 and the NGO (Inspections and Code of Inspectors) Guidelines, 2019.
Learn moreWork Permit Recommendations
The Bureau issues recommendation letters to the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) for Class G1 work permits for Missionaries and Volunteers. Only NGOs on the Updated National NGO Register (UNNR) qualify.
Learn moreRecommendations to Other Institutions
The Bureau provides recommendation letters for bank account opening, tax exemption applications, and letters of good standing. Organisation must appear on the UNNR with current Annual Returns.
Learn moreCommunity Based Organisation Registration
A CBO is an organisation operating at a subcounty level and below whose objective is to promote and advance the wellbeing of community members. CBOs are registered at district level through District NGO Monitoring Committees.
Learn moreProvisional Permits of Operation
The Minister may exempt organisations from standard registration during emergencies, allowing them to operate under provisional permits for a maximum period of 6 months.
Learn more