The Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) has finally left Uganda almost 12 years of operation in the country following its termination by President Yoweri Museveni in February 2021.
The multi-donor fund that was founded in 2011 to appropriately organise donor aid among other activities in Uganda raised more than Shs100b which was used to support a number of government agencies and civil society groups working towards promoting human rights and good governance.
The seven member mega-fund including Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Ireland, Austria and the European Union (EU) was terminated after Mr Museveni accused its managers of allegedly operating it without proper government oversight.
The contributing partners left the agreement after efforts to reactivate the fund were unsuccessful.
Mr Jan Sadek, the head of the EU Mission, said during the wind up event at the residence of the EU Ambassador in Kampala, that during their stay in Uganda, DGF has promoted democracy and accountability in the country.
According to Mr Sadek, democracy in Uganda is under threat; urging the government to embrace dialogue as a way to resolve political disagreements.
He said despite their disappointment at DGF’s dissolution, they will still continue to support Uganda’s democratic initiatives.
Mr Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hailed the DGF for its efforts to support civil society organisations working for democracy and good governance.
He said even as DGF wrapped up its work, its contribution would always be recognised.
Mr Nicole Bjerler, the head of the Facility Management Unit of the DGF said even when the Facility was leaving, the government needs to continue engaging the local Non-Governmental Organisations and other development partners if it wants to achieve the UN sustainable development goals and Uganda’s Vision 2040.
