A 16-year-old student and young media entrepreneur, Martin Luther Nyanzi, has petitioned the Parliament of Uganda seeking legislation that would allow the government to provide financial support to community-based organisations (CBOs) and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Nyanzi, a student at Kisozi High School in Buddo, argues that grassroots organisations play a crucial role in complementing government programmes, particularly in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and community development.
Through his petition, the teenager proposes a legal framework that would allow Parliament to allocate funds directly to registered community organisations to strengthen their operations and ensure long-term sustainability.
Concerns Over Shrinking Funding
In his proposal, Nyanzi highlights the growing financial challenges faced by NGOs and CBOs following the withdrawal or reduction of funding from major international partners.
He cites the suspension of support from the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) and reduced assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), developments he says significantly disrupted the operations of many grassroots organisations.
According to Nyanzi, several organisations that had been delivering essential community services were forced to scale down activities or close operations due to funding shortages.
“The absence of consistent funding has left many community organisations struggling, yet they provide services that directly impact vulnerable populations,” Nyanzi said in an interview.
He argues that structured government support could help bridge the funding gap and ensure the continuity of services delivered at the grassroots level.
Engagement with Parliament
To advance his proposal, Nyanzi has engaged several leaders in Parliament.
He recently held discussions with Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and has also received support from Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, the Kawempe North Member of Parliament, who has expressed willingness to present the proposal to Parliament as a Private Member’s Bill.
“We are hopeful that the 12th Parliament will consider this proposal and debate a bill that ensures community organisations receive the support they need to continue serving Ugandans,” Nyanzi said.
However, Nalukoola noted that the proposal would require careful consideration to ensure it aligns with Uganda’s current regulatory framework governing NGOs.
He added that community organisations should remain complementary partners to government programmes rather than becoming fully dependent on public funding.
Registration of Community Organisations
Under Uganda’s existing legal framework, CBOs are registered at the district level through District NGO Monitoring Committees, based on recommendations from Sub-County NGO Monitoring Committees.
The process requires organisations to submit a formal application letter, a constitution, a detailed work plan and budget, and proof of payment of registration fees.
Authorities also require organisations to renew their operating permits periodically and impose penalties on groups operating without valid permits. Organisations found operating illegally may be fined 10 currency points (about Shs 200,000) for each month of unauthorised activity.
Rising Young Media Entrepreneur
Born on December 5, 2009, in Kampala, Nyanzi is the son of Simon Ssekaayi and author Joan Vumilia.
After completing his primary education at MK International School in 2023, he joined Kisozi High School, where he is currently pursuing his O-Level studies.
His interest in media began at age 13, when he launched Block FM, an online radio platform that gave young people a space to share ideas and creative content.
Inspired by media personalities such as Don Wanyama and Kin Kariisa, Nyanzi has expanded his activities in the digital media sector.
He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of APEX Media Services, which focuses on digital media production and youth skills development.
Through Apex Digital Skills, he runs training programmes to equip young people with digital literacy, content creation, and media production skills.
Youth Voice in Policy
Nyanzi says his long-term ambition is to build a major media company in Uganda while empowering young innovators across the country.
His petition has drawn attention as a rare example of youth participation in legislative advocacy, highlighting the growing role young people play in shaping policy discussions on development and community empowerment.
