NGO Bureau Warns Public Against Unregistered Organisations.

Following the rescue of some girls in Kampala, the National Bureau for NGOs has warned the public against dealing with unregistered organisations with the NGO Bureau.

It is reported that on July 20, the Uganda Police rescued fourteen girls from a guest house in Muyenga, Makindye division in Kampala who were alleged to be trafficked through an alleged NGO called Maya Project Uganda Chapter.

According to the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, Asp Luke Oweyesigyire, the girls were in the ages of 14 and 19 and were allegedly being trafficked by Ms Dorothy Ndagire a resident of Kawala Central Zone in Rubaga Division.

The Executive Director at the National Bureau for NGOs under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Stephen Okello has said that the organization in question is not registered with the Bureau.

“The National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO Bureau under the Ministry of Internal Affairs that is mandated to register, regulate, monitor, inspect, coordinate and oversee all NGO operations in the country, unequivocally condemns the undertakings of the organisation and informs its stakeholders and the general public that Maya Project Uganda Chapters NOT a registered NGO with the NGO Bureau,” said Okello.

He added that the NGO Bureau recognises and appreciates the contribution of genuine organisations and requests all NGOs to ensure that they are operating within the ambit of the law and relevant regulations.

Equally, Okello urged all stakeholders and the general public to desist from engaging with NGOs that are not registered with the NGO Bureau operating illegally.

To note, close to 700 people were victims of Trafficking in persons according to the 2020 Police Annual Crime Report.