Together with the Centre for Development Alternatives (CDA), we launched the publication: “Reality Check 11: Civil Society in Uganda”. Combined with our New Year’s Reception, the ample turn-up allowed for engaging interactions on the critical topic of the publication, which provides a deeper exploration of Uganda’s civil society ecosystems to explore possible engagement with civil society for driving an inclusive development process.

After the presentation of the report findings, researchers and guests alike joined a compelling discussion on the role of civil society in the Ugandan context. Different views emerged which Yusuf Kiranda summed up: “The dominant discourse on civil society in Uganda is that government is against the movement but the reality is that there is lot of coordination and cooperation between the two actors.”

Subsequently, a panel discussion was held with Prof. Sarah Ssali and Nicholas Opiyo. Passionate about and interested in the given topic, our panelists eagerly pointed out their takes on the issue. Nicholas Opiyo argued that “donors should consider funding organised informal groups rather than throwing money at disorganised formal NGOs.” 

Another highlight of the event was certainly Mathias Kamp’s introduction of his soon-to-be successor Anna Reismann as country director of KAS Uganda & South Sudan.

All in all, we look back to a fruitful and insightful evening with our partners and friends from Uganda and South Sudan. Finally, we would like to extend a special word of thanks to all contributors and visitors who made the evening a special occasion for reflections on Uganda’s civil society.

Read the full publication of the “Reality Check 11: Civil Society in Uganda” here: https://bit.ly/2uYiQRr