Comparative Experiences of NGO Regulatory Frameworks

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The growth of NGOs in sub-Saharan Africa since the 1990s is linked to a resurgence of democracy that fostered new spaces for civic organization. Many countries revised their constitutions to permit political reforms, transitioning from "one party constitutions" to include bills of rights. However, this surge in NGO activity posed challenges regarding legitimacy and competition for political space. In response, several African nations, especially in Eastern and Southern Africa, implemented state-led regulatory frameworks aimed at ensuring NGO accountability and transparency. This book examines existing regulatory models for NGOs and suggests reforms to create a framework that aligns with internationally recognized human rights standards, particularly in Uganda. It contextualizes these issues within the broader history of NGOs in Africa and a democratic theory emphasizing participation, accountability, and individual liberties, especially the right to freedom of association. The findings indicate that Uganda's NGO regulatory framework fails to meet the constitutional and international standards for freedom of association. Despite improvements in the 2016 NGO Act, the framework remains controlling and burdensome, hindering inclusiveness and public participation. The book advocates for a state-NGO collaborative regulatory model that emphasizes self-regulation, the establishment of an autonomous NGO regulatory authority, and the de