A check on NGOs is essential

The findings by a Senate sub-committee that most local and international Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) conceal their books of account should be a matter of concern that merits investigations. The accusations emerged after a Senatorial Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security released a report exposing dishonest conduct on the part of some NGOs operating in the country. There’s need to closely monitor how exactly these NGOs are operating to ensure accountability and transparency. Some NGOs are run like briefcase organizations. Their intentions are unclear and a good number of them are motivated by sinister motives under the guise of humanitarian work. Many NGOs are set up not to serve any humanitarian purpose, but rather to enrich individuals who create them. These people exploit any humanitarian call to set up these manipulative organizations for purposes of swindling funds instead of coming to the rescue of those suffering. In Rwanda, many of the so-called humanitarian organisations have manipulated and capitalized on the plight of Genocide widows and orphans to selfishly bankroll their personal projects. Such NGOs hide their books of accounts and feed their funders on fabricated audit material. This is why the Senators found an uphill task in accessing their books. The Lower Chamber of Parliament is currently debating an amendment to the law that regulates the operations of these organisations. We can only hope that the issue of holding them accountable is emphasised. The amount of resources they receive must match their acts on the ground. Ends

Opinions

A check on NGOs is essential