REFLECTIONS & RESPONSE TO NORAD'S EXPECTATIONS & GUIDELINES IN THE EYE OF LOCAL NGOs

Lillian Mpabulungi Ssengooba

CARE International -Uganda

Outline of presentation

    The Ugandan Context of operation Perceptions on and understanding of Norad expectations and guidelines in ‘eye’ of local partners Norwegian expectations and guidelines Vs CSO’s own priorities Coherence between guidelines/expectations and CSO work 25/05/2011 2

The Ugandan Context of operation

  The development needs of the nation are overwhelming; – around 35% of the population living in poverty – maternal mortality rate stands at 500/100,000 – literacy rates are still very low.

Government efforts/initiatives exist but have been found inadequate to reduce and/ or eradicate poverty.  So ….

the civil society is a formidable development partner in the country over time… 25/05/2011 3

Snapshot of the trend of Civil society organization operations

1962-before 1986 Limited operation Before 1962 Minimal operation After 1986-todate More and Increasing operations, visibility with impact, more partnership, financial support 25/05/2011 4

Cont’d

 Over 10,000 NGOS are registered-NGO board/DENIVA  – Over 50 CSOs are supported by Norad with a trickle-down effect (Norad Country report 2011) most of these initiatives have benefited many of the poorest among the poor across sectors like education, health, water, legal services (Report 1/2011-Evaluation)  There is high level of political will to support civil society organizations working to supplement government’s development efforts-40% contribution to national budget FY11  Our experience shows that the civil society is a

complex mixture

of collaborations, conflicts and competition – because of the development-oriented nature and partisan political activism exhibited within the sector.

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Then… What type of civil society does Uganda need?

One that: – Is vibrant, engaging and promotes citizen participation – Advocates for and demands for the basic-human rights, is conflict sensitive and engages a collaborative approach – Is accountable and transparent and holds duty bearers accountable – Is self reflective, challenges mindsets, causes change in self and others and values learning – Is committed to identifying and addressing the underlying causes of poverty – Passionate about social-economic transformation and causing sustainable development among poor and marginalized populations 25/05/2011 6

What type of civil society can survive in the operational environment in Uganda

?

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Apolitical

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Meaningful dialogue with government

‘ ‘ ‘

Ideal’ civil Society in Uganda Implements & aligns its work with govt priorities

‘

Negotiates to influence government

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Norad expectations and guidelines in ‘eye’ of local partners

 The expectations and guidelines are premised on existing international legal frameworks like Human Rights, Universal Declaration of espouse principles of social justice,  Address development challenges and promote citizen participation which is crucial for attaining sustainable change  The expectations and guidelines are key in the project/programme design process to ensure a common understanding of scope of work, deliverables and provide a bench mark against which results are measured.

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HOWEVER,

 There seems to be limited focus on principle 5 ( support effective work against corruption in all its forms ). Discussions and design aim at managing corruption risk during implementation.  To engage in effective advocacy for change civil society organizations have to remain non partisan YET challenging corruption may turn confrontational and sometimes seen as political 25/05/2011 9

Norwegian expectations and guidelines Vs CSO’s own priorities      Extreme poverty can not be eradicated instantly but through cumulative gradual multifaceted development processes. The civil society in Uganda is increasingly tailoring development interventions with this in mind. Pro poor sustainable development can not be effectively achieved through provision of goods and services with aid money Rather, – Empowering , facilitate the marginalised and poor to speak up, engage with government and duty bearers , dialogue, negotiate and advocate for their needs to be met The fact that Norad guidelines reflect the above development realities offers a great opportunity for partnership within and outside Uganda The guidelines provide space for the civil society to source for Norwegian funding to implement development projects and programmes 25/05/2011 10

Coherence of Expectations/Guidelines and Implementation

 To a large extent the guidelines are in line with our missions, current country development priorities,  The guidelines are clear and specific which makes it easy to implement and monitor the progress HOWEVER , NORAD financial contribution is usually earmarked for specific projects and time bound e.g. EYE care, livelihood, gender based violence  There is need to review the current global funding trends that call for long term sustainable programmes with impact ( Paris Declaration on Aid effectiveness, 2005) 25/05/2011 11

Cont’d

 Documentation, M&E remains a challenge used to outputs not impact.

– Donor requirements demand for impact but some interventions its takes long to see impact e.g. women empowerment – Attribution-whose results-many actors  WHOSE AGENDA ARE WE FRONTING?

Acknowledgements:

CARITAS Uganda, CARE Uganda, Lions Aid Norway, Plan Uganda, Right to Play, Save the Children, Uganda Law Society, VEDCO & WWF UCO.

Thank You!

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