CSOs get sh5b to promote human rights, good governance

By Francis Emorut

KAMPALA - Twenty civil society organisations have secured sh5b funding to promote human rights and good governance in the country.

The fund was given by (Independent Development Fund (IDF) a non partisan and not-for-profit grants making organization supporting Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Uganda. IDF is funded by the  Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) a multi donor funding mechanism supported by the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, European Union and United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark and Ireland.

The funding was channeled through Independent Development Fund (IDF) a non-governmental organization.

"We can't change the country because we have received sh5b. However, our concern is the way it is going to be used to create an impact through multiplying effect and to draw the attention of relevant authorities to take action on human rights protection and practice good governance," Ddamulira said.

Ddamulira said this on the sidelines of the grantees induction training at Esella Country Hotel in Kampala.

While addressing the recipients of the fund he warned them against misusing the fund but to utilize the money according to intended purpose or else the project would be terminated.

"We are interested in seeing the impact you create on the ground. We want to see innovation how you are going to improve the human rights situation in the country," he said.
 

From left, DGF programme manager, human rights Ann Mary Nyakato and executive director of National NGO Forum Richard Sewakiryanga hand over a  dummy cheque of sh5b to IDF executive director Davis Ddamulira. (Photo credit: Francis Emorut)

Richard Sewakiryanga, the executive director of National NGO Forum implored the grantees to read the Public and Management Order Act well before they embark on human rights advocacy work to avoid clashing with the Police.

"Talk to the Police and Resident District Commissioners and don't shy away. Engage meaningfully to share information with them," Sewakiryanga said.

He appealed to civil society actors to be innovative and expand their area of operation to non- conventional constituencies.

Ann Nyakato, the programme manager human rights with DGF, stressed the need of effective utilization of the fund to create impact in the society.

What the recipients of the fund say/expect

"We are going to introduce a free toll Tele- centre in Bundibugyo where the vulnerable people call on how to access justice and on rights to own property," Evans Kateeba, a finance officer with the Governance and Public Policy Research Centre said.

Peter Kabagambe, the executive director of Network for Water and Sanitation in Uganda, said the fund will help his organization to venture into the neglected area of menstruation management in schools so as to keep the girls in schools.

"We are going to ensure that soap, water and sanitary pads are available for the menstruating girls so as to retain them in school," Kabagambe told New Vision. 

Hilda Tadria who operates in the districts of Zombo and Nebbi on issues of women and girl empowerment pointed out she is going to encourage girls to speak out on issues that are affecting them rather maintaining silence that girls are not supposed to speak according to some cultures.

Dorcas Akello, the executive director of Africa Development Network noted that the fund will help her in defending the rights of women and children in Gulu whose land has been grabbed.