Statements

Fellow Ugandans, we welcome you all to the new year, 2025! As we step into this new year, we reflect on the progress our country has made in 2024 and recognize the challenges we continue to face as a country. Global Leadership and Regional Influence In 2024, Uganda demonstrated its growing influence in global and regional affairs by hosting the Third South Summit, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Group of 77 and China, reaffirming developing nations’ commitment to sustainable development, peace, and cooperation. Its leadership within the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) enhanced Uganda’s role in global governance, emphasizing trade, science and technology, and tackling global challenges like crime, terrorism, and climate change. Healthcare Advancement and Public Health Resilience Uganda’s health sector achieved significant progress, highlighted by the rollout of the malaria vaccine, a critical step in combating one of the country’s deadliest diseases. This complements ongoing prevention efforts like mosquito net distribution and indoor spraying. Additionally, investments in community health workers and the second National Action Plan for Health Security have strengthened healthcare systems and improved disease preparedness and response. The Potential of the Parish Development Model In 2022, the Government of Uganda launched the Parish Development Model (PDM) to transition 17.5 million Ugandans from subsistence living to active economic participation. Over three years, progress has been made in improving parish-level infrastructure and services increasing citizen engagement in government programs, supporting local business growth. However, challenges like limited citizen ownership, corruption and abuse of office hinder the program’s potential. Addressing these issues, particularly prioritizing the “mindset change” pillar, is essential for sustaining the PDM’s impact and achieving its objectives. Download and Read the Full Statement

As we join the global community to celebrate International Women’s Day, we at the Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) are proud to embrace the 2024 theme: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” This day is not only a call to celebrate the achievements of women but also a reminder of the importance of our ongoing commitment to gender equity and equality.

We are deeply saddened by recent reports of escalating cases of illegal detention, kidnap, and torture of citizens, especially targeting human rights defenders and activists.

The most recent cases of Mr. Kakwenza Rwakirabashaija, a Novelist, and Mr. Samuel Masereka, the Coordinator of the National Unity Platform in Kasese are some of the publicly discussed indicators of a very worrying trend. The evidence in the public domain reveals that the two were arbitrarily arrested, tortured, and denied access to their families and lawyers at various points while in detention. These are a violation of fundamental human rights enshrined in the 1995 Constitution of Uganda and the International Human Rights Statutes.

As the collective leadership of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Uganda, we congratulate all Ugandans for their  resilience and making it through a challenging 2021. It is the resolve of Ugandans to overcome the social, economic, and political challenges that continue to inspire Civil Society Organisations to focus on and aspire for a country that is fair, just, and prosperous for all.