Kitara Civil Society Organizations’ Network Celebrates 20 Years of Service in the Kitara Region

Civil society organizations in Uganda marked a significant milestone, celebrating 20 years of dedicated service delivery and advocacy at an event held at St. Ambrose Institute of Health Sciences in Kagadi Town on Friday.

During the celebration, stakeholders credited their success to a conducive working relationship with the government, emphasizing their role in complementing government programs through evidence-based advocacy aimed at improving the lives of Ugandans.

Paul Mulindwa, Executive Director of the Kitara Civil Society Organizations’ Network (KCSON), highlighted the network’s impactful work in women’s emancipation, youth empowerment, and support for vulnerable groups. He also announced plans to expand their focus to include refugee communities, emphasizing social protection as a priority in the new strategic plan.

“We have done some work with refugee communities under the previous strategic plan, but this time we want to broaden our reach,” Mulindwa said. He added that capacity building in fundraising, management, and governance would be central to the network’s next phase.

Denis Busobozi, former Executive Director of KCSON, acknowledged the challenges faced by civil society, such as limited resources, staff capacity gaps, and operational constraints, while recognizing government support in enabling program implementation.

Hedwig Mbaziira, Chairperson of the KCSON Board, praised the impact of civil society initiatives, noting achievements in education sponsorship for vulnerable children, environmental conservation, and income-generating activities. She pledged continued and enhanced service delivery to the communities.

The attendees called for stronger government partnership in capacity building, management, and research to ensure the sustainability of civil society’s community services.

Benjamin Tumusiime, Kagadi District Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), urged civil society organizations to align their efforts with government programs, stressing that effective development requires collaboration. He also cautioned against groups deviating from their core mission or promoting divisive rhetoric.

In a symbolic act, Tumusiime planted a memorial tree at the site of KCSON’s new head office construction. KCSON, supported by WWF-Uganda Country Office, has been implementing the “Leading the Change” program for six years, focusing on strengthening civil society capacity for conserving critical forest ecosystems in the Albertine region, in partnership with local governments and the National Forestry Authority.

The event was attended by various government officials, political leaders, and religious figures, reflecting broad support for KCSON’s work and its future ambitions.