The East African Civil Society Organisations’ Forum (EACSOF) expresses serious concern over the suspension of key civic organizations in the Republic of Uganda, including Chapter Four Uganda, the Alliance for Election Finance Monitoring, the Human Rights Network for Journalists– Uganda, the Uganda National NGO Forum, Centre for Constitutional Governance, Network for Public Interest lawyers, Africa Centre for Media Excellence, the Africa Centre for Treatment of Torture Victims, and the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders–Uganda. These
organizations are central to democratic accountability within the East African Community. EACSOF notes that the recurrence of such suspensions, following similar actions in 2021, signals a pattern of administrative interference, inconsistent with the principles of EAC integration and raises concerns for institutional stability, civic participation, and regional cohesion.
The suspension of key civic organizations in the Republic of Uganda undermines democratic accountability and restricts citizen participation in voter education, election observation, and human rights protection. These measures are inconsistent with the principles of good governance
and the rule of law under Articles 6(d) and 7(2) of the East African Community Treaty and contravene Articles 3, 4, and 27 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. The removal of operational capacity without due process further violates principles of natural justice, including the presumption of innocence, and is incompatible with the African Union Guidelines on Freedom of Association and Assembly, which prohibit the misuse of legal or administrative measures to restrict lawful civic activity.
- Assess and report the pre-election environment accurately, including civic space, the operational independence of civil society, and citizens’ ability to participate freely, ensuring that all observations capture the realities affecting transparency, accountability, and electoral credibility.
- Ensure findings are objective and aligned with regional and continental obligations, including Articles 6(d) and 7(2) of the EAC Treaty and AU standards on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, while documenting any limitations on independent oversight or civic engagement.
- Provide actionable recommendations and engage stakeholders effectively, including civil society and other relevant actors, to strengthen electoral integrity, reinforce transparency and inclusivity, and enhance public confidence in the electoral process.
The protection of civic actors is fundamental, not optional, to the integrity of East African integration. The East African Civil Society Organisations’ Forum (EACSOF) calls on the Government of Uganda to
immediately lift the suspension orders and enable civil society to perform its lawful role in supporting democratic processes. EACSOF remains steadfast in its commitment to an integrated East Africa rooted in the active, meaningful participation of all citizens, recognizing that sustainable regional development and democratic governance depend on the full exercise of civic rights.
