The debate surrounding the proposed NGO Funding Act took a new turn after the deputy Speaker of Parliament indicated that he would not preside over proceedings on the bill unless the House formally pronounces itself on the matter.
Addressing legislators, the Deputy Speaker clarified that his role is strictly procedural. He likened himself to a referee, explaining that he cannot take a position before Members of Parliament clearly express theirs.
“I am like a referee; the House should first pronounce,” he said, emphasizing that he cannot oversee deliberations on the bill in the absence of a clear and unified position from the House.
The development introduces a procedural layer to an already heated national discussion. The proposed legislation has drawn attention from lawmakers, civil society organizations and development partners, with growing calls for broader consultations before it advances further.
Among those advocating for wider engagement is Nakaseke South Member of Parliament Lutamaguzi Ssemakula. He argued that while the proposed law may not necessarily be harmful in principle, there is a prevailing perception that several recently enacted laws carry political undertones.
“The bill, the NGO Funding Act proposal wouldn’t be bad, but you know most of the laws here in Uganda which are being enacted today have political motives,” he said. “Yes, it can reduce foreign dependence, but what has been happening before?”
Ssemakula stressed that any legislation affecting non-governmental organizations must undergo extensive consultations, both locally and internationally. He noted that lawmakers do not hold a monopoly on knowledge and should actively seek input from stakeholders within the NGO sector.
“Being a legislator doesn’t mean that we know everything, so there has to be wide consultation especially among the NGO world. You consult locally and internationally, then you get the views of the NGO house and the views of the people,” he said.
According to the legislator, NGOs play a significant role in service delivery and social transformation, particularly in sectors such as health, education, governance and humanitarian assistance. He warned that any law directly affecting NGOs would inevitably have indirect consequences for the wider population.
“Majorly these NGOs come out for change, to change the society. So anything that affects the NGOs directly, it also indirectly affects the population because they are meant majorly to serve the population,” he added.
Supporters of the proposed NGO Funding Act argue that it is intended to enhance accountability, transparency and national oversight of foreign funding streams. Critics, however, caution that restrictive provisions could undermine operational independence and limit resources that sustain community based initiatives across the country.
With the Deputy Speaker signaling that the House must first clarify its collective position, the future trajectory of the bill now hinges on whether Parliament can build consensus amid competing interests and national scrutiny.
