BREAKING NEWS: ANOTHER CASE FILED AGAINST PILGRIM AFRICA AT HIGH COURT CIVIL DIVISION KAMPALA:
Uganda faith-based non-profit Pilgrim Africa is facing accusations of diverting donors funds intended for health and humanitarian programs in Uganda towards political activities.
Another lawsuit filed in Uganda today 25th of April 2024 alleges the organization misused funds earmarked for initiatives like malaria 🦟 control for UN authorized and politically motivated expenditures.
The miscellaneous cause filed in Uganda’s High Court Kampala Civil Division, reference: PPN:2250013605377 with miscellaneous cause number: 108 of 2025, claims Pilgrim Africa bypassed crucial oversight bodies, including local government and health officials, in significant financial transactions whereas Lawyers for the Applicant assert that substantial donor money was unlawfully rendered, violating Uganda’s NGO Act and potentially Anti -corruption and Penal Code Statutes.
Local leaders and civil society groups have also raised concerns that projects branded as ” Community Outreach” were in reality, politically motivated mobilisation efforts lacking proper permits. These groups have petitioned international donors such as the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation and the president’s: Malaria initiative to suspend funding and conduct a forensic audit into Pilgrim Africa’s finances.
The petitioner allege that millions of dollars in grants have not yielded the expected health outcomes and that financial records are opaque, suggesting potential ghost procurement, inflated payments and personal enrichment.
Because Pilgrim Africa is also registered in the United States of America, the alleged misuse of American donor funds could lead to legal repercussions, including the revocation of its tax-exempt status and potential federal prosecution under law like the foreign corrupt practices Act.
The accusations have sparked anger in the Teso and Karamoja sub-regions of Uganda, where Pilgrim Africa has historically operated. Residents say they feel betrayed, claiming that promised health services were replaced by political activities and unexpected spending.
Uganda’s Inspectorate of Government and Financial Intelligence Authority have reportedly launched their own investigations into the non-profit’s financial dealings. The unfolding scandal threatens to severely damage Pilgrim Africa’s reputation and raises broader questions about the accountability of NGO operating in the region.
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