NGOs in Development

By Naturinda Eliab

As Ugandans pay homage to the thousands of people who sacrificed their lives so that the citizenry can always celebrate the end of colonialism, it’s becomes significant to thank the government too, for its steady leadership under the guidance of President Museveni that has provided an enabling ground for the NGO sector to work comfortably in fulfillment of Article 38 and 40 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda.

In view of such history, it’s also important to ask why NGOs exist as we mark the chequered Uganda’s independence.

Some experts see NGOs existence as the retreat of centralized government and keen interest of donors but notwistanding that, it’s paramount that one of the key mandates of NGOs is to advance the social, political and economic development of any country. To succeed at this, NGOs must reassess their operations in a bid to offer better products or services as a temporary or permanent endeavour to sustain their partnership as well as cooperation with Government.

The issue of partnership and co-operation is well encapsulated within R.13 of the Non Governmental Organisations Registration Regulations, 2009 where it’s a special obligation for organizations to co-operate with the local councils.

This helps to strengthen the capacity of NGOs in terms of program support from government as well as institutional and technical support as a strategy to steer development and growth. And this can be achieved given the growing number of NGOs in Uganda that currently stand at 12, 000 which affirms 68% increase.

The growth is as a result of the National NGO Board mission of providing an enabling environment for the empowerment of NGO sector. For further emphasis, the National NGO Board recently reduced the number of issuing certificates to NGOs from 3 months to less than 3 weeks so that they can execute their activities in a fast and timely manner.  

Afew NGOs in the 21st century such as PEAS and R.A.I.S.E are implementing the strategy of co-operation with government at local council level and this is exemplified by their consistency to build schools in rural centers.

Also, NGOs such as Give Me Hope-Africa based in Mbale, ACODE, HURINET, Advocates Sans Frontiers, HEPS, AFAAS, ICOBI to mention but a few engage practically with the local community to achieve social, political and economic development.

Therefore in the era of new public management, NGOs hold increasing responsibility for social, political and economic development. To succeed they must co-operate and pattern with local communities to implement their needs and aspirations as well as becoming responsible agents of change.

The writer is a Lawyer and works with the National NGO Board.