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A consortium of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has rejected the proposed Non-Governmental Organizations Bill, 2025, accusing the government of pushing forward with legislation that lacks meaningful consultations and could undermine the independence of the sector.
The CSOs are calling for the government to halt the introduction of the Bill, arguing that it fails to reflect broad consensus and meaningful input from the very NGOs it seeks to regulate.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Arthur Muyunda, Executive Director of the Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD), spoke on behalf of the CSOs, expressing their concerns.
He stated that the media and NGOs have consistently opposed statutory regulatory mechanisms, especially those presented as “self-regulation,” warning that such laws often lead to the suppression of independent voices.
Muyunda urged President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration not to repeat the mistakes of past governments, including the MMD and PF, which attempted to regulate the media and NGOs through restrictive laws.
He commended the media for its resistance to such measures in the past, which, if enacted, could have been used to silence dissent and stifle critical voices.
“We commend the media for successfully resisting such attempts and standing firm against legislation that could be used to suppress independent voices,” Muyunda said.
He argued that government’s ongoing push for regulatory control over civil society and the media reflected a broader attempt to stifle independent oversight and accountability.
“If enacted, this NGO Bill would severely impact NGOs and civil society groups, threatening their independence and hampering their ability to operate effectively,” Muyunda warned.
The CSOs also criticized government’s approach to drafting the Bill, highlighting that only a select group of NGOs was invited to consultations, which they described as deeply flawed.
The CSOs stressed that this lack of transparency and inclusive dialogue undermined the Bill’s legitimacy.
“No small group should be allowed to sell out the entire NGO sector,” Muyunda said, underlining that NGOs played a critical role in Zambia’s democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.
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He reiterated that NGOs provide essential services, advocate for policy reforms, and hold those in power to account.
Muyunda stated that instead of pushing forward with a restrictive law, the government should engage in a genuine, inclusive consultation process that includes NGOs, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
He cited the example of former Attorney General Musa Mwenye, who successfully blocked similar attempts to impose restrictive legislation on civil society during the PF administration.
“The Bill would not only undermine the independence and effectiveness of NGOs but could also cripple their ability to serve the public interest,” Muyunda said.
“The government should embrace, not fear, constructive criticism from civil society. It should commit to engaging in a truly participatory process.”
He said the CSOs have rejected the Bill and urged the government to take a more transparent, inclusive approach that fosters a healthy partnership with civil society.
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