NGO registration in Uganda

National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO Bureau)

Ministry of Internal Affairs

On ngobureau.go.ug:Services Register a new NGO Annual returns Fees Board of Directors

Overview

A semi-autonomous body under the Ministry of Internal Affairs that registers, regulates, coordinates, inspects, monitors and oversees all NGO operations in Uganda.

VisionA vibrant, accountable NGO sector.

MissionTo provide an enabling environment for the empowerment of the NGO sector.

Established2016, created by the NGO Act 2016 (replacing the National NGO Board created in 1989)

Laws it works underNon-Governmental Organisations Act, 2016; NGO Regulations, 2017; NGO Fees Regulations, 2017; National NGO Policy, 2010

How it works

A seven-member Board of Directors appointed by the Minister oversees the Bureau's policies, and an Executive Director runs it day to day. NGOs register in five categories: indigenous, regional, continental, foreign and international. Each needs a one-time Certificate of Registration and a Permit of Operation valid for one to five years, renewed when it expires. Indigenous NGOs must first be incorporated with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and get recommendations from their District NGO Monitoring Committee and the relevant ministry. Every NGO files annual returns at least once a year, with audited accounts, an annual report, approval minutes and a data-protection certificate. The Bureau keeps the national register, monitors compliance, runs background checks on international NGOs and works with district committees and security agencies. Operating on an expired permit is fined in currency points.

Services

Registration of a new NGOCertificate of Registration and Permit of Operation for the five NGO categories.

Renewal of the Permit of OperationRequired before an NGO continues operating after its permit expires.

Review and replacement of certificates and permitsChanges to permit conditions and replacement documents.

Registration of self-regulatory bodiesRegistration of NGO self-regulatory organisations.

Annual returnsFiling of annual returns (Form R) with supporting documents.

Certified copies and searchesCertified copies of register documents and official searches of the register.

Inspection reportsIssue of inspection reports.

Recommendations for work permitsRecommendations on employment of non-citizens by NGOs.

Community-based organisationsRegistration, permits and annual returns for CBOs.

Complaints and appealsHandling complaints about NGOs and CBOs, and appeals.

How to register an NGO in Uganda

Indigenous NGOs: incorporate with URSB first
Complete Forms A and D, signed by at least two founders
Write to the Executive Director stating objectives, area of operation and years applied for (up to 5)
Attach the certified certificate of incorporation, work plan and budget, constitution with dissolution clause and governance chart
Pay the fees through URA and attach proof
Attach source-of-funding statement, founders' IDs and photos, registered minutes and a staffing statement
Get recommendations from the District NGO Monitoring Committee and the responsible ministry
Submit in hard copy in a labelled spring file
Within a month of collecting the permit, submit the Data Protection Office certificate

Fees published by the regulator

Registration – indigenous or regional NGO	UGX 100,000
Registration – continental NGO	UGX 260,000
Registration – foreign NGO	UGX 520,000
Registration – international NGO	UGX 800,000
Registration – community-based organisation	UGX 40,000
Permit per year – indigenous, regional or CBO	UGX 60,000
Permit per year – continental, foreign or international	UGX 400,000
Annual returns – NGO / CBO	UGX 50,000 / UGX 40,000
Search of the register	UGX 20,000

Read the official guidance

Requirements and fees change. Always confirm on the official website before applying.

Leadership

Management

Mr. Okello StephenExecutive Director

As listed on the official website when checked on 22 October 2026.

Sources

This profile summarises information published by NGO Bureau on its official website, read on 22 October 2026. The website was last confirmed unreachable on 1 November 2026.