The African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME), a Kampala-based independent media organisation, has had its operations suspended by Uganda's National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO Bureau), raising concerns about shrinking civic space just days before the country's general elections.
The move, confirmed by Stephen Okello, Secretary of the NGO Bureau, cites the organisation's alleged engagement in activities "prejudicial to the security and the laws of Uganda."
But Mr Okello denied the action was related to the forthcoming general elections.
ACME, which has spent 15 years training and equipping journalists across Africa, joins a growing list of civil society organisations facing government restrictions, including Chapter Four Uganda, the Alliance for Election Finance Monitoring (ACFIM), and the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-U).
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Dr Peter G. Mwesige, ACME's founder and former executive director, expressed deep concern over the suspension.
He said the move appears to be part of a broader effort to limit scrutiny of public affairs.
"Now more than ever, the independent media must rise to the occasion, provide accurate information, monitor official power, and facilitate public debate," he said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Mwesige reiterated that ACME has always championed professional and ethical journalism.
The suspension of ACME follows a similar action against Chapter Four Uganda, a human rights organisation known for defending civil liberties, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized groups.
The NGO Bureau's notice directed Chapter Four to halt all operations pending investigations, while promising the organisation an opportunity to respond.
Authorities have involved the Inspector General of Police and financial institutions to ensure compliance.
National Unity Platform presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu condemned the closures, describing them as an attack on democracy and accountability just two days before the elections.
He warned that the shutdown of rights groups and election monitors threatens independent oversight of the electoral process.
Kyagulanyi also linked the actions to the recent arrest of civil society leader Sarah Bireete, calling the detention a punishment for civic advocacy.
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"These are organisations that have consistently spoken out against human rights abuses," Kyagulanyi said, adding that the government's frequent use of the label "activities prejudicial to security" appears to be a tactic to silence independent voices. He urged Ugandans to safeguard civic space and to participate in the elections peacefully.
The closures have sparked alarm among local and international observers, who warn that the clampdown on civil society ahead of the polls may limit accountability, transparency, and public debate.
Authorities have not publicly responded to criticisms, citing legal compliance and national security concerns.
As Uganda approaches the January 15 polls, civil society leaders and media advocates are facing unprecedented pressure, raising questions about the space for independent voices in a highly charged political environment.
