Pilgrim Africa, a faith-based nonprofit organization registered in both Uganda and the United States, is currently under scrutiny following the emergence of allegations related to financial management and regulatory compliance. Known for its work in malaria control, education, and humanitarian outreach, the organization is now the subject of investigations in both countries.
Case Filed in Uganda – MC-14-2025
A formal complaint has been filed in the High Court of Uganda under reference number MC-14-2025. The complaint, submitted by a legal consortium, outlines concerns regarding the use of donor funds, particularly those allocated for health initiatives such as malaria prevention.
The filing cites financial activities that allegedly occurred without the documented involvement of oversight bodies, including:
The Office of the Minister for Teso Affairs
District Local Government Authorities
Community Development Officers
Local Health Administrators and Traditional Leaders
These concerns touch on Uganda’s NGO Act, 2016, as well as other relevant laws such as the Anti-Corruption Act and Penal Code. The case remains under legal review, and no judicial determinations have been made at this stage.
Concerns Over Regulatory Compliance
According to regulatory bodies, NGOs operating in Uganda are expected to uphold transparency in financial reporting and program implementation. Pilgrim Africa has reportedly been cited for late submission of required reports and for implementing activities that may not fully align with its registered objectives.
Some programs described as “community outreach” have come under review to determine whether they were appropriately authorized and aligned with the organization’s nonprofit mission.
Donor Community Requests Audit
A group comprising district officials, community leaders, and civil society representatives has petitioned several of Pilgrim Africa’s donor partners—including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), and Rotary International chapters—to commission an independent forensic audit.
The petition raises questions about grant utilization and requests a review of procurement processes, staffing costs, and financial reporting to ensure alignment with donor expectations.
Preliminary concerns noted in the petition include:Potential irregularities in procurement,questions about contractor payment scales and unclear third-party disbursement.
These concerns are not determinations of wrongdoing but have led to calls for further investigation and transparency.
Implications for U.S. Operations
In the United States, Pilgrim Africa operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, headquartered in Seattle, WA. As such, the organization is also subject to U.S. laws governing nonprofit accountability and transparency.
If any financial discrepancies are confirmed through official audits or investigations, the organization could face scrutiny under:
The Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3)
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
The Federal False Claims Act, depending on donor sources
No enforcement actions have been announced in the U.S. to date.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Inquiries
Communities in Uganda’s Teso and Karamoja sub-regions, where Pilgrim Africa has had a longstanding presence, have expressed concern and hope for clarity through official investigations. Some local leaders have called for improvements in oversight and communication between NGOs and beneficiary communities.
Uganda’s Office of the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) and the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) have reportedly initiated inquiries to assess the situation and determine whether additional oversight is warranted.
Conclusion: Awaiting Findings
Pilgrim Africa, once praised for its contributions to community health and development, is now navigating a period of heightened accountability. As investigations and audits proceed in both Uganda and the United States, the organization’s leadership, supporters, and partners await further findings to determine the appropriate next steps.
The case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the nonprofit sector and the need for ongoing dialogue between organizations, regulators, and the communities they serve.
