Civic Advisory Hub

𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐍𝐆𝐎𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐑 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐝. Delegates at the NGO Risk, Compliance & Resilience Conference 2026 had the distinct honour of a keynote address by Hon. Justice Anthony Wabwire Musana, Judge of the Industrial Court of Uganda, who took them through the key changes introduced by the Employment (Amendment) Act 2026. He emphasised that employment protections extend beyond the traditional workplace, and highlighted the importance of understanding the law, following due process and ensuring fairness in employment decisions. He also addressed the concept of corporate personality and the circumstances in which courts may lift the corporate veil, underscoring the importance of accountability in employment relationships within NGOs. Justice Wabwire Musana further noted the significance of the Amendment’s effective date: the legal framework that applies to an employment dispute depends on when the relevant events occurred and on the transitional provisions of the law. For NGOs, understanding employment law, observing fair procedures and keeping up with legislative changes are essential to reducing legal risk and protecting both employees and the organisation. #NGORiskConference2026 #NGOCompliance #NGOResilience

When asked whether NGOs can rectify non-compliance before sanctions are imposed, Ms. Martha Oundo, Assistant Commissioner, Inspection and Compliance at the National Bureau For NGOs, explained that whenever the Bureau identifies non-compliance, it first issues a notice to show cause. This gives the organisation an opportunity to respond and put things right before any sanctions are considered. She was quick to add, however, that NGOs should never wait for the threat of sanctions. Her advice was that NGOs should keep their books in order and stay on top of all your regulatory obligations, including filing annual returns on time. #NGORiskConference2026 #NGOCompliance @NGObureau

NGOs handle large amounts of personal data every day, from beneficiaries and staff to donors and partners, and much of it is sensitive. Mr. Baker Birikujja, National Personal Data Protection Director at the Personal Data Protection Office, Uganda (@pdpoUG ), delivered a keynote on “Data Protection & Privacy Compliance for NGOs,” taking delegates through their obligations under the law. He stressed the importance of keeping personal information accurate. He also reminded delegates that privacy is not just a compliance obligation or a donor requirement. It is a fundamental human right. #NGORiskConference2026 #NGOCompliance