Non-governmental organizations and rural development: the case of Karamoja sub-region

Abstract

This study is on how NGOs contribute to development in Karamoja Sub-region. It was motivated by the fact that the Sub-region is ranked among the least economically developed Sub-regions in Uganda. The study examining the role of NGOs in the development of Karamoja covered the districts of Kaabong, Kotido, Abim, Moroto, Napak, Amudat, and Nakapiripirit. It found that the Sub-region lagged behind due to a combination of factors. These include Poverty, poor infrastructure and basic service delivery, limited marketing opportunities, insecurity, and inadequate and unreliable rainfall resulting in variations in production hence food insecurity. The study also found out that NGOs have complemented government efforts in addressing some of the problems affecting the people in Karamoja. Its conclusion was that NGO collaboration with the state has increased opportunities for the rural population far beyond what would have been possible if the state had been working alone. This is notable in the areas of education, water and sanitation, livelihoods, health, and provisioning of relief services to people in crisis. Its recommendations included the elimination of briefcase NGOs, constant monitoring of NGOs, searching for alternative sources of funds, conscientizing the indigenous about internal resource generation, transparency, and emphasis on value for money including government auditing of NGOs and NGOs to liaise and coordinate with government.