- Memorandums of Understanding are supposed to be free and offer protection for NGOs
- NGOs u need to boost capacity in terms of human resource to be vibrant
Image: Courtesy photo
The Albertine region has many activities relating to oil and gas and indeed CSOs are working to see that these resources are governed in a manner that is in line with the aspirations of the National Development Plan III.
It is against this background that the Global Rights Alert proposed to conduct a regional dialogue between Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Human Rights Defenders, Local Government,NGO Bureau, and Ministry of Internal Affairs in order to discuss the state of civic space for NGOs working on natural resources and governance.
The Executive Director Global Rights Alert Winfred Ngabiirwe has called upon government agencies not to cause divisions among NGOs but rather bring good arguments on the table in the developing of the oil and gas sector amidst the need to conserve the environment.
Atumanya Nelson, the Senior Community Development Officer, Kikuube District Local Government has appreciated Non-Government Organizations who work together adding that, ’’it complements government projects but NGOs should use the right language to send out their positions to avoid being misunderstood.’’
The Non-Governmental Organizations -NGO Act of 2016 repealed the Non-Governmental Organizations Act (Cap 113) in order to provide a conducive and enabling environment for NGOs in Uganda.
The Act also made provision to strengthen and promote the capacity of NGOs and their mutual partnership with government.
The Buliisa CAO, Mr Magumba Eria advised NGOs to,‘ ‘always involve the district leaders during planning and invitations for successful community engagements.’’
Objectives of the dialogue was to create a space for dialogue between government and civil society in order to discuss the state of civic space in the extractive sector.
On that note, Mr Stephen Okello, the Executive Director, NGO Bureau said, ‘ ‘we have plans to sensitize national level security agencies on the role of NGOs to improve the civic space. The sensitization will eventually be cascaded to lower levels of the district and sub-counties.’’
Beatrice Rukanyanga of Kwataniza Women Farmers Group and Ms. Kazimura Alice, ED KAWIDA express dissatisfaction with the operation years and stating that, ’’ the renewal exercise is hectic.
Okello, advised that,‘‘for an organization to be vibrant, you need to boost your capacity in terms of human resource to handle any requirements. Have people with full knowledge and competencies.’‘
NGOs must have Memorandums of Understanding from every district they operate, these are supposed to be free and offer protection to the NGOs.