Article author:
Reuters
Kampala-Uganda's president lifted the ban on European-backed rights groups almost 18 months after suspending the organization prior to the elections and accusing its funders of interfering with politics. Said his office.
Yoweri Museveni said the European Union, Austria, Denmark, Ireland and other states-backed Democratic Governance Facilities (DGFs) can be reopened as long as the government has a say in the administration. Said. statement.
The Danish ambassador spoke on behalf of the group, saying that the decision was welcomed and that the existence of the government on the board of directors of the organization was okay.
According to its website, DGF is funding and supporting organizations that promote democracy, rights and accountability in Uganda.
Museveni ordered a suspension on January 2, last year, after accusing the government and security agencies of cracking down on opposition in preparation for the presidential election.
Museveni was declared the winner in the vote and defeated Bobbiwine, who turned from a pop star to a politician, his main challenger who rejected the result. The European Union also said the elections are not democratic.
The president said he would lift the ban during a meeting with Danish development minister Viggo Mortensen on Wednesday, according to the president.
"President Museveni has agreed to lift the ban on the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF), a civil society funding agency, provided the government is represented by a decision-making structure." The statement said.
Museveni, one of Africa's longest-serving leaders, has long faced criticism of infringement. Last year, the United States imposed sanctions on the then military intelligence director, who is now a high-ranking police officer. The president dismissed the accusation. (Report by Elias Biryabarema, edited by Hereward Holland and Andrew Heavens)
