Kick Corruption Out of Uganda (KICK-U), in partnership with Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) and the Uganda Local Governments Association (ULGA), hosted a Regional Dialogue on the Local Economic Development (LED) Policy and Philanthropy for Development (Giving for Development) in Kigezi. The event took place on Monday, 25th November 2024, at the White Horse Inn Hotel in Kabale District.
This dialogue, which brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the media, aimed to foster discussions on integrating local philanthropy into the implementation of the LED policy to enhance community development. This followed two previous Fireplace Conversations organized by KICK-U on Local Economic Development and Philanthropy for Development (P4D).
KICK-U Executive Director, Mr. Robert Kakuru Byamugisha, introduced the concept of Philanthropy for Development (P4D) and its potential to mobilize community resources to drive sustainable development. “Giving for Change is about encouraging people to willingly contribute to community initiatives, fostering development through collective effort,” Mr. Byamugisha stated. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between communities, CSOs, and government in ensuring the success of the LED policy.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Rukiga, Zadok Kamusiime, and Kabale District Vice Chairperson, Miria Akankwasa Tugume, both underscored the need for improved community sensitization about government programs like Emyooga, the Parish Development Model (PDM), and the Women Empowerment Program (WEP). These programs, Tugume noted, often fail due to misuse of resources and a lack of awareness among beneficiaries.
“Government programs are designed to combat poverty, but their effectiveness has been limited because beneficiaries are not adequately educated. Funds are often misused, hindering economic growth,” Tugume observed.
Mr. Robert Nyesiga, Program Coordinator for Philanthropy for Development at the Uganda NGO Forum, introduced the “5Ts” of philanthropy: Time, Talent, Treasure, Ties, and Testimony. He urged participants to consider how these elements can be harnessed to promote economic development. He emphasized the importance of involving local governments in incorporating philanthropy into their annual strategic plans to foster sustainable growth. Mr. Nyesiga called on participants to reflect on their role in national development, urging them to ask, "Where were we when others were developing?" He also pointed out that similar dialogues are being held across Uganda, culminating in a national dialogue to consolidate regional input. “By leveraging community resources and integrating them into LED implementation strategies, we can ensure effective and lasting transformation,” Nyesiga remarked.
Participants explored innovative ideas for accelerating LED policy implementation, including mass mobilization campaigns, enhanced resource management, and incorporating philanthropy into government plans.
The dialogue aimed to:
- Raise awareness of the LED policy and encourage community participation.
- Gather innovative ideas to enhance LED policy implementation.
- Develop a regional action plan integrating community philanthropy.
- Build a foundation for advocacy and partnerships at national and regional levels.
Insights from the Kigezi dialogue will inform a national-level discussion aimed at creating actionable steps to advance the LED agenda. RDC Kamusiime commended the organizers for facilitating these conversations, calling on participants to implement the recommendations and ensure that philanthropy becomes central to development strategies.
The event highlighted the critical role of partnerships between communities, government, and CSOs in promoting local economic development. As Mr. Byamugisha remarked, “When communities take ownership of development initiatives, the impact is both sustainable and far-reaching. We must all play our part in ensuring that the LED policy achieves its intended outcomes.”
Through this dialogue, KICK-U reaffirmed its commitment to fostering community-driven development and mobilizing local resources to enhance livelihoods across Uganda.
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