NGOs too have to be accountable

The ultimatum issued to NGOs, by the Directorate General of Emigration and Immigration should send out a clear message that the government not only strives to enforce accountability in public institutions, but also other organizations that affect the lives of the Rwandan people in one way or another. It has been a habit, over the years, that some of these organizations only exist on paper and have nothing for which to account for the money they get, or end up falsifying reports pertaining to the purported activities they have supported. It has also been observed that certain NGOs choose to embark on programmes that are not aligned to the Government’s set development agenda, which in the end derails development instead of facilitatingit. The law that is currently before parliament should be enacted quickly to ensure that the errant NGOs are brought to account, since, according to Emigration and Immigration officials, penalties for non-compliant organizations will be enforced. Whatever these organizations do, should be in line with the already set agenda. It is, therefore, imperative that as we enforce the culture of accountability among all organizations and those that are not willing to comply, should voluntarily step aside. We would rather remain with the few who work in the interest of the Rwandan people, than a whole lot who are more concerned about preservation of their jobs. And, through this scrutiny, the organizations that use the NGO umbrella for political activity will be exposed. Ends

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NGOs too have to be accountable