Parliament to rule on NGO Funding Bill, 2026 ahead of 12th Parliament Members’ swearing-in
Observers note that Uganda’s broader civil society environment has already faced challenges, including reduced donor funding and heightened regulatory scrutiny in recent months.
Kampala: Parliament of Uganda has formally accepted to take up the NGO Funding Bill, 2026, clearing the way for the draft legislation to enter the House’s agenda ahead of the swearing-in of the 12th Parliament members, scheduled from 13th to 15th May 2026.
The Bill seeks to introduce a new regulatory framework governing how non-governmental organisations are funded and operate in Uganda. It was recently forwarded to the Office of the Clerk to the Speaker as part of the procedural requirements before it can be formally tabled for debate and possible enactment.
Speaking yesterday in Kampala, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa said neither he nor Speaker Anita Annet Among would publicly comment on the substance of the Bill at this stage.
“How will I or the Speaker chair a House if we give our views on a matter before it? We will have lost the impartiality which is required of one moderating the debate,” Tayebwa said, emphasizing the need for presiding officers to remain neutral ahead of formal legislative consideration.
The development comes as Parliament prepares for the full swearing-in of the 12th Parliament members, a process expected to strengthen the composition of the House ahead of legislative business. The newly sworn-in MPs will play a pivotal role when the Bill once formally admitted proceeds through readings, committee review, and potential amendment.
The NGO Funding Bill has generated mixed reactions among lawmakers and civil society stakeholders. Supporters argue it will enhance transparency, sustainability, and accountability within the sector. Critics, however, warn that tighter regulatory and reporting requirements could constrain NGO operations and foreign partnerships.
Observers note that Uganda’s broader civil society environment has already faced challenges, including reduced donor funding and heightened regulatory scrutiny in recent months.
According to parliamentary sources, the Bill has not yet been scheduled for First Reading on the Order Paper and remains under administrative review by the Clerk’s office. Lawmakers across party lines are reportedly engaging in informal consultations ahead of formal debate. Several parliamentary committees are expected to invite submissions from stakeholders once the Bill is tabled.
The NGO Funding Bill was petitioned to Parliament by political activist Nyanzi Martin Luther on 27 February 2026, when he submitted the draft to the Clerk’s office requesting that it be introduced as a Private Member’s Bill and circulated among key parliamentary offices for consideration.
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