NGO Bureau has suspended the permit of the human rights organisation Chapter Four Uganda with immediate effect. The Bureau said intelligence indicated the group was involved in activities prejudicial to national security. Following the announcement, Chapter Four has been ordered to stop all operations until further investigations are completed.
The decision has surprised many, as Chapter Four has been a leading defender of human rights in Uganda. For years, it has provided legal aid, advocacy, and public education to protect freedoms such as expression, assembly, and access to justice.
Staff and volunteers have been instructed to immediately halt ongoing projects. The suspension affects programmes that help ordinary citizens access legal support and hold authorities accountable.
Civil society leaders have raised concerns, saying the suspension could reduce space for independent organisations to operate freely. Many worry it may discourage other NGOs from engaging in human rights work.
The NGO Bureau assured that Chapter Four will have a chance to respond during the investigation. Still, the abrupt halt has created uncertainty for the organisation and the communities that rely on its services.
International observers and local citizens are watching closely. The case highlights the delicate balance between national security and the protection of human rights. Chapter Four has promised full cooperation and a commitment to continue defending rights once the investigation concludes.
