DGF Partners to Heed to Government Demands after Suspension

Development partners have welcomed President Museveni’s move to lift suspension of the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) activities in Uganda and subsequently, pledged to heed to Government’s demands.

During a meeting with Danish Minister for Development Cooperation, Mr Flemming Mortensen on 22 June 2022, Museveni announced the lifting of suspension of DGF activities which he declared in February 2021. He accused DGF of operating a multibillion donor fund without government’s representation in its decision-making structures.

In a statement released by the DGF development partners; Austria, Denmark, the European Union, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, the move to lift the suspension is “welcome” and the new programme that was expected to run from January 2018 to December 2022 will continue.

“During the months that remain, we look forward to welcoming Government of Uganda representatives to the Board and Steering Committee of the DGF,” the statement reads.

“DGF development partners remain firmly committed to supporting good governance, human rights, access to justice, addressing corruption, and strengthening civil society. In the coming months, we will establish the best means of continuing our engagement with both state and non-state partners working in these areas.”

During its suspension, DGF halted its funded activities in over 80 state and non-state implementing partners. Established in 2011, the Democratic Governance Facility provides financial and technical support to both state and non-state partners that work to strengthen democracy, protect human rights, improve access to justice and enhance accountability in Uganda.