By Our Reporter
In a letter dated January 14, 2025, the Lwengo District NGO Forum (LNGOF), through its Corporate Secretary, has formally addressed concerns to the Right Hon. Attorney General regarding a legal opinion issued by the Solicitor General’s Mbarara Regional Office. The legal advice in question pertains to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Lwengo District Local Government and the Lwengo District NGO Forum, a matter that has sparked significant debate and controversy.
The letter highlights several critical issues and submits additional documents to guide the Attorney General’s office in resolving the matter justly.
Forgery Allegations & Misinterpretations
The central dispute arose from allegations made by Lwengo’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Lujumwa Nathan and Community Development Officer (CDO) Mr Mazinga during a meeting convened by the Solicitor General on December 31, 2024. The CAO alleged that the recommendation letter endorsing the Lwengo District NGO Forum was forged. However, LNGOF strongly refuted these claims, asserting that the CAO, who was not in office at the time of the letter’s issuance, lacks the authority to dispute its authenticity. The Corporate Secretary emphasized that the original issuing officer is still in office and available to confirm the document’s validity.
As a matter of fact, it is alledged that even when the assistant CAO verified these documents, his boss forced him to revoke the verification and apologize for working against his will and taking actions without his instructions.
Legal & Procedural Compliance
The LNGOF contends that the issues raised in the appeal are substantive matters of law, specifically concerning the compliance of NGOs with the Non-Governmental Organizations Act, Regulations of 2017, and relevant policy frameworks. They argue that community development groups (CDOs), registered at the sub-county or district levels, fall outside the purview of these laws and cannot assume the functions of a legally recognized NGO.
Defense Of Registration & Operations
The Forum highlighted its legitimate standing as a duly incorporated entity under Uganda’s Companies Act. It has secured registration with the NGO Bureau, an operational permit, and a letter of good standing.
Concerns Over Misrepresentation & Bias
The Corporate Secretary expressed concerns about potential bias and misinformation stemming from the CAO and CDO’s claims. The letter questioned the legitimacy of their involvement as complainants, as no formal complaint has been lodged against LNGOF. It called for a focus on legal and procedural facts rather than personal interests or unfounded allegations.
Additional Documents Submitted
To strengthen its case, LNGOF has since provided the following documents:
- Certified recommendation letters from the CAO’s office endorsing LNGOF’s registration with the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development and the NGO Bureau.
- A letter of good standing issued by the NGO Bureau on October 29, 2024.
- A copy of LNGOF’s trademark registration.
- Examples of similar forums, including Kalangala NGO Forum and Uganda National NGO Forum, to demonstrate standard registration practices.
Here Are Documents About This Matter
The letter concluded with a plea for the Attorney General’s office to consider the additional evidence and resolve the matter fairly. The Corporate Secretary emphasized the importance of maintaining good faith in honoring the MoU, which was established with the full participation and endorsement of the Lwengo District Local Government.
A Broader Implication
This case underscores the challenges faced by NGOs in navigating legal and bureaucratic hurdles while striving to serve their communities. As the Attorney General’s office reviews the evidence, the outcome will likely set a precedent for how disputes involving NGOs and local governments are handled in Uganda.
The Lwengo District NGO Forum remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and service to the public, urging authorities to prioritize justice over personal or political interests.
