CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISTIONS REJECT PROPOSED NGO BILL, 2025
Thursday , 13th March, 2025
As a consortium of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), we strongly urge the Government to halt its desire to proceed with the introduction of the proposed Non-Governmental Organisations Bill, 2025, which lacks broad consensus and meaningful consultation with the very NGOs it seeks to regulate.
The media and NGOs have consistently rejected statutory regulatory mechanisms disguised as “self-regulation” because history has shown that such laws, though seemingly well-intentioned, are often weaponized to silence dissent and critical voices.
President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration must not repeat the mistakes of past administrations, such as the MMD and PF, which attempted to impose statutory regulation of the media and NGOs.
We commend the media for successfully resisting such attempts and standing firm against legislation that could be used to suppress independent voices. Government’s persistent push for regulatory control over civil society and the media reflects a broader attempt to stifle independent oversight and accountability.
If enacted, this NGO Bill would have severe consequences for NGOs and civil society groups, threatening their independence and ability to operate effectively. We reject any backdoor attempts to control NGOs through restrictive legislation.
We call on conscientious voices within the UPND government to intervene and stop this ill-advised Bill, as was done in the past by astute leaders like former Attorney General Musa Mwenye, who prevented similar attempts under the PF regime.
The government’s approach to drafting this NGO Bill has been deeply flawed, with only a select few NGOs being invited to discussions—a move that undermines transparency and broad stakeholder engagement. No small group should be allowed to sell out the entire NGO sector.
NGOs are critical to Zambia’s democracy, human rights, and sustainable development. They provide essential services, advocate for policy changes, and hold power to account. The government should embrace, not fear, constructive criticism from civil society.
We reiterate that this Bill will undermine the independence and effectiveness of NGOs, crippling their ability to serve the public interest. Instead of pushing a restrictive law, the government should engage in a truly inclusive, participatory process that includes NGOs, community leaders, and all affected parties.
A thriving democracy requires a strong and independent civil society. We urge the government to withdraw this Bill and pursue policies that foster—not restrict—civic engagement and public accountability.
Issued on behalf of the undersigned organisations by:
Mr Arthur Muyunda
SACCORD acting Executive Director
Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre – AIPAC
Zambian Civil Liberties Union – ZCLU
Governance, Elections, Advocacy, Research, and Support-GEARS
Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes – SACCORD
Measures of Justice and Democracy Foundation
Zambian Institute of Governance and Civil Liberties Advocacy Platform – ZIGCLAP
Advocates for National Development and Democracy – ANDD
When all have rejected progressive rules to lead, leave them and forge ahead. Implement those which are current in for leadership and use excessively those that are present. We will not cry when caught in aware. Use rule of law and who ever cry faul please no mercy. There’s dos and don’t and that is what we are for from the past to present
First tell us what are the contentious issues that you don’t want in the bill so that we the public can judge for ourselves.
The entire country, except his relatives and a few of his misguided tribesmen, are against these warped proposals from Hakainde. Can he surely not smell the coffee? Is he that stupid to be ignoring voices of sense?
God bless Captain Ibrahim Traore, a man that listens to his people and is loved so dearly by the entire Africa. A man that is possessed to deliver success for his country without oppressing anyone. What a man.
Reject tribalism, corruption and oppression.
Vote wisely in 2026.
Self regulation is a recipe for disaster. How are the NGOs and the media be held accountable if there are no laws to use and guide their conduct? Every sector including the government itself is regulated by the law so I don’t understand why these NGOs and the media want to operate without any legal framework. Imagine if sector and everyone want to “self” regulate, wouldn’t that be total confusion? Imagine the mining sector say they want to regulated them, civilians as well say the same, what kind of a society or country would we have? Let everyone be regulated by fair rules and laws not this misguided idea of self regulated.
I agree with you! These NGO’s and some of the media houses hide in the name of democracy and holding the government accountable. But who holds them accountable? I have never seen any media house condemning groups of opposition leaders and other media houses writing contemptible articles. As a practising engineer, I have to adare to ethics and have integrity in my practice and if I make a mistake I am liable for discipline, prosecution and even imprisonment if found guilty. Self regulation is a recipe for disaster. A human being is not capable of self regulation. A buck has to stop somewhere and anyone found wanting has to take responsibility. If you can’t take responsibility then find something to do because a lot of people take responsibility in their jobs.
This amending business spells desperation for a cornered man
Delimitation amendments and other non contestable clauses can be done without all this noise from these empty tins. They can’t even state what they are against. Law making is a government duty through the cabinet. If you don’t like the law vote it down. The government can not ceed it’s responsibility to these self appointed cribs on social media and social media to run the show especially those that have made their business to condemn everything from the government. The government has a government to run and legislature to pass as it mandate. Let those in the business of 5 pressers a day continue and those that run one man parties to continue improving their writing skills. Pass the laws and those who go against the laws let them answer to the law. The government can not continue baby sitting people that deliberately choose to cause chaos.