Chapter Four UG

Chapter Four’s statement on the indefinite suspension of the organization’s NGO permit.

“We consider this suspension unjustified and are pursuing all available administrative and legal measures to restore our operational status as soon as possible.”

Statement on the suspension of Chapter Four Uganda’s NGO Permit Chapter Four Uganda notes with concern the indefinite suspension of our NGO Permit by the National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO Bureau). Similar suspensions also affected nine other civil society organizations. The suspension is based on vague allegations that we engaged in activit...

When journalists are targeted, our democratic progress is weakened. Voices are silenced. On this International Day to for Crimes against Journalists, we call for accountability for past violations and reaffirm our commitment to defend journalists and other media workers. Read our statement.

Statement on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists Journalists and other media workers in Uganda are often targeted in reprisal attacks because of their work, Chapter Four Uganda said today. The attacks include threats, verbal abuse, arbitrary arrest, physical attacks, and unlawful restriction of access to news sources. These crimes, which largely g...

Peace is not only the absence of conflict—it is the presence of dignity, equality, tolerance, accountability, and justice.

At Chapter Four, we work to create pathways for sustainable and inclusive peace through challenging repressive laws and practices, providing first-line legal support for human rights defenders on the frontlines, and supporting civil society organizations to navigate the complex operating environment.

The barriers to peace are complex. On this International Day of Peace 2025, especially ahead of the upcoming general elections, we call for accountability for human rights violations to:

1️⃣promote justice and fairness;
2️⃣foster a culture of responsibility and respect for the law;
3️⃣prevent impunity for further violations;
4️⃣build trust and tolerance; and
5️⃣support reconciliation.

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Uganda’s Constitutional Court has dismissed the petition seeking to repeal sections of the Divorce Act that establish the ‘fault-based’ divorce system that require proof of adultery, cruelty, or dissertion for more than two years to grant divorce.

In her lead judgment in Innocent Ngobi Ndiko & 4 Others v Attorney General & Another (Constitutional Petition No. 23 of 2020), Justice Hellen Obura ruled that the existing Divorce Act reflects Ugandan values, norms and aspirations and remains valid until the Parliament decides otherwise. The majority upheld that free consent cannot be unilaterally withdrawn to dissolve a marriage without cause.

Justice Egonda-Ntende dissented, finding in favour of the ‘no-fault’ divorce system as proposed by the petitioners. He stated, “Without consent, a marriage cannot come into existence and by implication if such consent is withdrawn during marriage, the marriage collapses”.

The ruling maintains traditional divorce grounds but signals ongoing discussion on marriage laws in Uganda. For more details, see the full judgment. https://shorturl.at/IuAiEer