The Uganda National NGO forum’s 7th general assembly was held at Pope Paul IV Memorial Hotel - Rubaga, Kampala from 26th- 27th May 2009. The forum whose mission is to provide a sharing and reflection platform for NGOs in Uganda to influence governance and development process in Uganda, and enhance their operating environment, holds the assembly annually.

The Forum was formed with 3 major objectives:

 *     Enhance policy dialogue with government, donors and other development actors.

 *     Be representative body for all NGOs in Uganda National NGO Forum.

 *     Promote information exchange and networking among NGOs and other stakeholders in Uganda.

 This year’s assembly focused on presenting the new National NGO forum strategic plan, making amendments to the Uganda National NGO Forum Constitution and finally electing new representatives, both constituency-based and board members.

Developing the NGO forum strategic plan involved participatory and consultative engagements with the members.  The new strategic plan represents the true aspiration that CSOs and NGOs have in Uganda, it provides answers for greater collective, coordinated and policy oriented action by NGO sector in Uganda.

Some amendments to the Uganda National NGO Forum Constitution were. Other outstanding changes included the increment in the membership fee. The membership fee was doubled for all categories of NGOs; with the national NGOs paying 100,000/= from 50,000 and the International NGOs paying 500,000/= from 250,000/=.

During the assembly, a new chairperson was elected and new members were added to the board. The new chairperson Mr. Fred Batte replaced Ms. Specioza Kiwanuka, his vice is Mr. Paul Mulindwa and the new treasurer is Ms. Christine Nturo.

Members were also categorized according to constituencies which were; The Thematic, Special Group, INGOs and NGO Networks. All these groups had leaders elected to represent them on the board.

At the end of the two day assembly, members were argued to cooperate and be positive towards the new amendments in the constitution. They were called upon to contribute their membership fee on time in order to keep the forum activities running.