KAMPALA — A 16-year-old student and budding entrepreneur, Martin Luther Nyanzi, has petitioned the Parliament of Uganda seeking legislation that would provide direct government funding 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 critical role in complementing government efforts in key sectors such as education, healthcare and community development.
In his petition, the young innovator proposes the creation of a legal framework that would allow Parliament to allocate funds to registered community organisations, enabling them to operate sustainably and expand their services.
The proposal comes at a time when many NGOs and CBOs across the country have struggled following funding cuts from major international donors.
Impact of Funding Cuts
Nyanzi noted that the suspension of funding from the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) and the withdrawal of support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) significantly weakened the operational capacity of many grassroots organisations.
According to him, several NGOs were forced to scale down their activities, while others shut down completely — leaving gaps in service delivery for vulnerable communities.
“These organisations have historically complemented government programmes in education, health and community development. However, the withdrawal of external funding has left many struggling to survive,” Nyanzi said in an interview.
He believes government intervention through parliamentary funding would stabilise the sector and strengthen its resilience.
Engagement With Parliament
In pursuit of his proposal, Nyanzi has already begun engaging political leaders.
He met with Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and has received support from Kawempe North Member of Parliament Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, who has indicated willingness to table the proposal before Parliament as a Private Member’s Bill.
“We are looking forward to the formation of the 12th Parliament where we anticipate debating and enacting this bill to ensure financial backing for local NGOs and CBOs,” Nyanzi said.
However, MP Nalukoola cautioned that the proposal would require careful examination within the existing regulatory framework governing NGOs in Uganda.
He emphasised that community organisations should continue to complement government programmes rather than depend entirely on state funding.
Regulatory Framework for CBOs
In Uganda, community-based organisations are registered at the district level through District NGO Monitoring Committees, acting on recommendations from Sub-County NGO Monitoring Committees.
To register, organisations must submit a formal application letter, a registered constitution, a detailed work plan and budget, as well as proof of payment of the required registration fees.
Organisations operating with expired permits risk penalties, including fines of up to 10 currency points (Shs200,000) for each month of unauthorised operation.
Profile: Martin Luther Nyanzi
Born on December 5, 2009, in Kampala, Nyanzi is the son of Simon Ssekaayi and author Joan Vumilia.
He has quickly emerged as one of Uganda’s youngest media entrepreneurs.
After completing his primary education at MK International School in 2023, he joined Kisozi High School for his O-Level studies.
At just 13 years old, inspired by prominent Ugandan media personalities Don Wanyama and Kin Kariisa, Nyanzi founded Block FM, an online radio station aimed at amplifying youth voices.
He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of APEX Media Services, an organisation focused on digital media innovation and youth empowerment. Through Apex Digital Skills, he also runs training programmes that equip young people with digital literacy and media production skills.
His enterprises reportedly employ more than 55 staff members, supported by an executive board that includes his mother and investor Isaac Ssegawa.
Beyond business, Nyanzi also leads The Block Foundation, a non-profit initiative providing free digital literacy training while employing over 30 young professionals.
Youth-Driven Advocacy
Nyanzi says his long-term ambition is to build one of Uganda’s leading media enterprises while inspiring young people to innovate and pursue entrepreneurship.
His petition to Parliament represents a rare example of youth-led legislative advocacy, placing him at the centre of an emerging national conversation about sustainable funding mechanisms for grassroots development organisations.
