On the 20th day of June, 2024, a significant dialogue meeting focusing on the operations of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in Uganda was convened at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala. This important gathering was chaired by the Minister of Internal Affairs and brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including Government officials, representatives of various CBOs, NGOs, and development partners.

At the dialogue meeting, the Minister of Internal Affairs Maj. Gen. (Rtd). Kahinda Otafiire emphasized the crucial role that CBOs play in the socio-economic development of Uganda. The Minister highlighted the need for enhanced collaboration between the Government and CBOs to ensure effective service delivery and community empowerment.

A comprehensive review of the current operations of CBOs in Uganda was presented by the Executive Director NGO Bureau Mr. Okello Stephen. This included an analysis of the successes and challenges faced by these organizations. Key discussion areas included funding, regulatory compliance, capacity building, and the impact of CBO activities on local communities. The discussion also covered the importance of transparency and accountability in the functioning of CBOs.

 

Participants engaged in interactive sessions, where experiences, challenges, and best practices were shared. These sessions provided a platform for open dialogue and networking, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual support among CBOs. The meeting concluded with a focus on future directions and action plans. The Minister of Internal Affairs reiterated the government's commitment to supporting CBOs and ensuring an enabling environment for their operations and also launched standardized registers for CBOs to be used by the District leaders to record information regarding CBOs in the country.

The Dialogue meeting on the operations of CBOs in Uganda was a resounding success, setting the stage for improved coordination and stronger partnerships between the Government and community-based organizations. The insights gained and the commitments made during this meeting are expected to drive positive changes, enhancing the impact of CBOs on community development across the country.

By Afuwa Kakayi

Communications Department