Civil Society organizations were celebrating the 20 years of active service delivery and advocacy in the Country.
In the function to mark the 20 years of active service held at St. Ambrose Institute of Health Sciences in Kagadi Town on Friday, Civil Society Organizations attributed their success to the conducive working environment by the government and also said that they have complemented government programs and evidence based advocacy to ensure development of the citizens of Uganda.
Paul Mulinda, the Executive Director Kitara Civil Society Organizations’ Network (KCSON) said a lot of the work has been in the area of women emancipation, youth empowerment and vulnerable people but also said they want to expand to the refugee communities to ensure social protection.
“This time we want to go beyond and also work with the refugee communities. We have done some work in the last strategic plan with refugee communities but in the current one we want to expand it,” Mulindwa said
He said several efforts in capacity building in raising money, management, governance among others will be there priority in the next strategic plan.
Denis Busobozi, former executive Director of the Network said Civil Society has faced several challenges ranging from shortage of resources, lack of capacity by the staff, operational policies to limited government support among others.
Busobozi however said the government has been on their side to supplement the implementation of it’s programs and policies and that the community has been at the receiving end of these services.
Hedwig Mbaziira, the Chairperson Board Kitara Civil Society Organizations Network (KCSON) said the communities have benefited a lot from civil society work and promised more and better services.
“We have sponsored education to most of the vulnerable children, empowered communities in environmental conservation, income generation among others,” Mbaziira said.
They asked the government to partner with civil society in areas of capacity building, management, and research to ensure that civil society continues to serve the communities well.
Benjamin Tumusiime, the Kagadi District Deputy RDC, tasked all civil society organizations to join efforts and support government programs saying that the government may not be able to reach everyone without the help of implementing partners.
He however said some NGO and Civil Society Organizations have continued to divert from their core values to fighting the government.
Benjamin also warned civil society organizations who hold intentions of promoting hateful speech and harmful propaganda, inciting violence among others to stop forthwith.
Benjamin also planted a memorial tree at the new construction site where the Kitara Civil Society Organizations Network (KCSON) head offices will be located.
With support from WWF-Uganda Country Office, Kitara Civil Society Organizations Network (KCSON) has for the last 6 years implemented leading the Change Program aimed at Civil Society Capacity Strengthening for conservation of high value forest ecosystems to benefit people and nature in the Albertine region and the implementation is done with support from District local governments and the National Forestry Authority.
The event was also graced by several other government officials, political leaders and religious leaders among others.