Guidelines on requests for information from NGOs

A number of NGOs in Uganda have received information requests from people claiming to be from the Uganda Police Force to apparently make a 'database' on NGOs. Most of the information being requested is already in the hands of different government agencies such as the NGO Bureau, the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), and the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA).

This has brought about discomfort among actors in the sector.

It is important to note that under Ugandan law, only the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) is mandated to collect and keep general data on different sectors or entities. Other state agencies that need to carry out such a data collection activity are required to get approval from the Board of the National Bureau of Statistics. However, it is important to note that the statistics law does not remove the powers of the police and other government agencies from collecting information related to their mandate, for example, investigating the commission of crimes.

Chapter Four Uganda has published a brief to provide a quick guide to members of civil society on what they need to know, and do, when they receive information requests from government officials.

Click here to explore interactive Infographic.

Click here to download the guide in PDF. 

In the event of a police search, please refer to this guide.