Corruption threatening space for CSOs in East Africa

Oct 02, 2019

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EAST AFRICAN NEWS

ARUSHA - Civil society organisations in East Africa are concerned that their operating space in the region is increasingly under threat from political interference and internal management practices.

Over 300 representatives of civil society organisations from across East Africa met in Arusha, Tanzania for the 6th East Africa Philanthropy Conference.

The two-day conference which opened on Thursday at the Mt. Meru Hotel in Arusha sought to explore ways in which the organisations can operate in the midst of emerging global challenges.

This year's conference, themed Opportunities in Emerging Trends and Practices, focused on innovative concepts, policies and practices that are shaping selfless giving in the region.

Participants included foundations and trust leaders, government representatives, philanthropy organizations, academia and support networks within East Africa and beyond.

elegatess attending the conference redit amuel utwamaDelegatess attending the conference. (Credit: Samuel Lutwama)

 

A delegation from Uganda took part in the conference, which also highlighted practical opportunities that exist for strengthening networking and sharing best practices among key actors.

Ruth Birungi, the chief executive officer of Independent Development Fund, an organization based in Uganda, said internal corruption is still a problem for some organizations in the region.

"We need to create a culture of integrity in the society through public awareness, as a way of building transparency and accountability in the philanthropy work," she said.

Jacqueline Asiimwe, the chief executive officer of Civsource Africa, an advisory firm, noted that many organizations do not have the right legal framework to operate in the region.

Panelists observed that the changing political climate in the region has often resulted in cuts on donor funding, which is impeding operations of philanthropic organisations.

 hhhhh Madalena Nakiranda of Centre for Participatory Research and Development showcases SOSURE resuable sanitary pads. (Credit: Samuel Lutwama)

 

The organisations met at a time when governments in the region are tightening regulation and intensely screening operations of non-governmental organisations.

The annual conference provided an opportunity for networking and learning from diverse profit and not-profit organizations in social development.

The conference proposed new ways through which philanthropic organisations can improve their legal operating environment and co-operate across the region to address mutual challenges.

Slow global growth and a gradual decline in foreign funding to support philanthropy have created big challenges for both global and local programmes championed by philanthropists.

Evans Okinyi, the chief executive of the East African Philanthropy Network, said the organisations can take advantage of new technological innovations to grow and serve.

Graham Wood, the regional CEO of Aga Khan Foundation East Africa, said that the organisations have a duty to change the lives of the communities they serve.


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