capacity building for western region- busheny...

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BUILDING A STRONG AND SUSTAINABLE CSO SECTOR

CAPACITY BUILDING FOR WESTERN REGION

HELD AT THE BUSHENYI MULTI PURPOSE HALL.

WORKSHOP REPORT

23rd – 24th SEPSTEMBER 2013

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CSO leaders should avoid confrontational approaches of work but build partnerships

with government institutions to work effectively; Chairman LC 5 Bushenyi.

Governor Apollo emphasizes the need for all CSOs in western region to have a minimum standard of quality to be exhibited in their outputs.

“We need to understand who we are meant to be before we do what is expected of us” Governor Lee.

1. Introduction

The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Bushenyi Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) organized a two day Capacity development workshop for western region in Bushenyi district on 23rd – 24th September 2013. The objective of this workshop was to strengthen the demand side of accountability with strong competencies that will guarantee sustainable of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The programme was informed by the outcomes of the 2012 CSO Capacity Assessment Programme that identified critical gaps especially in the areas of Internal Governance, Resource mobilization and ICT usage. These three areas of need informed the key focus areas of the training. The workshop was attended by 12 women and 48 men totaling to 57 CSO representatives; 7 of whom were District Networks (DNs) with a wider membership each that will benefit from the acquired knowledge and practice. Participants were drawn from 15 districts in the region ie Mbarara, Sheema, Mitooma, Kisoro, Kyenjojo, Kabarole, Kamwenge, Isingiro, Ibanda,Ntungamo, Kiruhura, Kanungu, Buhweju, Bushenyi and Rubirizi

In his opening remarks, the governor western regions, Mr. Kakonge Apollo Lee boasted of a strong and coordinated civil society citing that there was only WACSOF and Mbarara district NGO Forum serving more than 5 districts in the region. This he said was a good attribute that enhanced collectivism and solidarity for greater impact. He however emphasized the need for quality in the work that DNs do and that this was a timely intervention to enhance CSO capacities in the area. As the chief guest, the Chairman LC5 Bushenyi district Mr. Willis Bashasha appreciated UNNGOFs effort in building the capacities of CSOs in the country and stressed that this would improve on CSO output since they are regarded as the “extra

watchdog” for both the central and local government to advocate for better service delivery,

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Participants tasked to articulate their organizational missions and visions.

Justine emphasizes the need for CSOs to ensure their legality and credibility if they are to remain relevant to their constituencies.

2. Workshop Process.

The capacity building workshop was organized in a more participatory and mind boggling mode that was designed to facilitate participants self discovery of their capacities based on their organizational realities in the three key areas of focus ie internal governance, Resource Mobilization and ICT usage. In this regard participants were put on the spot to share their mission and vision and how their work related to the realization of the same. Group discussions benefited participants in developing collective responses to their identified problems inform of

peer learning. Additionally, inspirational presentations were delivered by successful organizations specifically for the resource

mobilization session. This challenged participants to use the resources within their means to diversify their incomes for sustainability rather than rely solely on donor funds. Participants’ responses to a pre- assessment workshop sheet helped the facilitator appreciate the varying competence levels before the training, to guide the facilitator in the training approach but also the evaluation session at the end of the training. The team benefited from a very experienced facilitator that enhanced learning with practical examples of CSOs for learning. At the end of the training, the participants were provided with relevant materials for further reading to enhance the knowledge attained.

The training was facilitated by Ms. Justine Lubanga, an experienced capacity developer at the Human Rights Network (HURINET) with varied experience in organizational development and capacity building. Ms. Lubanga in her training tackled a number of issues key among which included Organizational development, CSO governance ie Leadership, change management, NGO identity and legality. The session on Fundraising and resource mobilization for NGO sustainability was spiced up with a sharing Mr. Mugume Robert from COVOID who emphasized the need to expose all staff to fundraising skills, diversification of income generating opportunities for the organization and the need to embrace the consortium approach to mobilize resources. A reflection on ICT usage in

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advancing organizational effectiveness and accountability was still minimal to the extent that three of the participants even lacked a basic computer in their offices.

At the end of the training, participants developed OD action plans upon which progress shall be evaluated in the subsequent quarter. These work plans will be a guide for follow up to measure impact in organizational change as a contribution of the capacity building interventions. For those organizations that are still struggling, a mentoring approach will be employed i.e. peer to peer learning and support from the secretariat to ensure change.

3. Key Observations

• Majority of organizations could fairly articulate their missions and visions but with gaps. This is a challenge to the sectors effective and efficient representation of the masses which also jeopardizes the oversight function.

• The failure to clarify roles between boards and secretariat or programme interventions perpetuates internal conflicts and instability between programme staff and the board.

• A number of organizations had creatively sought for alternative funding from such ventures as farming; capacity building and 2 had their personal office space while some others had prospects to acquire land for office premises.

• Founder syndrome is persistent for some organizations and these are highly dependent on donor funds.

• Male dominance in leadership was prominent with very few ladies in participation even at institutional level. Majority are in the category of cleaners and secretaries.

• Most NGOs still lack the basic ICT competencies and exposure and the few who seemed competent only used this for emails while only very few had used social media for profiling their work. This was attributed to financial limitations to procure the assets required in a sustainable way.

• There is evident spirit of collective responsibility by all for the development of the region. • Healthy collaboration with the district local government leadership and there was a

request that such trainings also should target some of the district technical staff to enhance their competences.

4. Recommendations ( Areas for further support)

• The need for continuous mentoring and follow up to ensure impact/change. • Emphasis on transitional leadership to guard against misuse of power especially for

personal benefit. • The need for a robust board development program to clarify roles and responsibilities

and the distinction between the board and the secretariat. • Peer to peer learning sessions for inspirational learning especially by those that are

progressing • More training in strategic Human resource development and Management

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5. Conclusion

Participant’s confessed that the training was timely and there was renewed spirits and commitment to go back rethink and and review their missions, visions and constitutions and they key policy documents like the financial and human resource policies. Participants pledged to implement their take home work plans to especially improve their internal governance modalities. From the workshop however, It was evident that there was an information gap among CSOs on the dynamics in their operating environment as only half of the participants had reviewed their constitutions and renewed registration to guarantee their legality. Majority were blind of the new registration renewal requirement by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and thus a pointer to the need for UNNGOF to reach out more to regional CSOs with updated information. A key lesson to learn was the need to clean up the regional partners to guarantee their legality through having operational constitutions and updated registration certificates. The QUAM processes should be emphasized in this case so as to build a strong and credible sector

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Attendance List for Capacity Development Workshop for the Western Region in Bushenyi District.

NO NAME ORGANISATION TELEPHONE EMAIL 1. Pastor Bakina Philip ATECO 0772886066 bakinaphilip@gmail.com 2. Nizeyimana Charles GOSAP 077337846 nizeyc@yahoo.com 3. Nandegeya Jackline MBADICSOF 0702193310 kajungujackie@gmail.com 4. Mugume Robert COVOID 0703703112 mugume@gmail.com 5. Korishaba Evelyn WOTODEV 0776724088 kevelyne@yahoo.com 6. Twikirize Vicient KABIP 0782381643 kabipkitangala@gmail.com 7. Byakuyamba Peter KANCA 0752842173 kacbogoce@yahoo.co.uk 8. Twesigye Christine Kannungu NGO Forum 0787829007 twesigyec@yahoo.com 9. Bamwiine Elly KADI 0782377573 kazodevelopment@yahoo.co.uk 10. Rev, E, Mfitumukiza KINGOF 0772390712 ebiguri@yahoo.com 11. David Nguru KADDE-NET 0706843223 kaddnet@yahoo.co.uk 12. Maserela Yusuf RWEFO 0704813466 13. Muthadali

Augustine RACO 0701220956 muthadz@yahoo.co.uk

14. Musinguzi Medard Shield Uganda 0754067557 shielduganda@gmail.com 15. Namara Caroline UCA 0772657120 ugandacitizens@gmail.com 16. Habib Senoga BECA 0702585760 bunyangumeca@yahoo.com 17. Edward Nantamba SOWIPA 0772864224 coldienatamba@gmail.com 18. Tushabe Mary Nyarwanya youth Tuwheyo

association 0774981829

19. Karamura Kellen Mayanga Advantaging Canteen ans Association

0785736217

20. Barigye Robert Krembiro Efforts and Protection

0700781651 mitoomadevtplatform@gmail.com

21. Baluku Andrew Ikongo 0785537784 22. John Tumusiime KICODI 0703315916 Johntumusiime2010@gmail.com 23. Mary Ndemwiine FAL group 0779122671 24. Muniala Fredrick Save For Gealth Uganda 077997658 muwalafredrick@gmail.com 25. Turyahabwe Arthur MBTDA 0782578330 26. Joelia Murerezi Rwenkarobo Bakyaala

Association 0774133154

27. Kemigisa Harriet Kyenjojo NGO Forum 0782339166 kemuha@yahoo.com 28. Nimusiima Obed Nyakitoka Association 0772990081 29. Karugaba Patrick Kyarudura abeteraike Group 0777641844 30. Kanyarutakye Elias Kyorusozi Information Care

Kyenjojo 0789682440 ekanyorutakye@yahoo.com

31. Nirere Samuel Rural health education mobilization for development

0774375275 rhemdp@yahoo.com

32. Kyamanywa Robert Rural people in action for 0772485921 ruralpeople@yahoo.com

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development

33. Arinaitwe stephen Integrated community development initiative

0775736824 Assalina81@gmail.com

34. Kemigabo Christine Development foundation for rural areas

0781338569 deforoa@yahoo.com

35. Bwambale Bisanji Huntington

Foundation For Rural Women Kasese

0773013002 forwaug@gmail.com

36. Matigi Michael IGARA TRO 0777152578 edwagmatigi@gmail.com 37. Rwanguma Ben Kannungu NGO Forum 0774205888 38. Turyashemererwa

Obed Help the Crying Voices 0774958661 obedmuk@yahoo.com

39. Dr Baganbe Steven LIPRO Uganda 0701674485 drsbagambe@gmail.com 40. Gibonis Ayebaza CECOD 0703176902 gibonisbabu@yahoo.com 41. Kamugisha paul KADIVIDO 0778972526 kadivido@yahoo.co.uk 42. Arikiriza M Nyambani Mixed Farmers 43. Kyarimpa R Bwiizi Bwiizi Byakyayo 0772998077 44. Mugurat KIWODA 0774163727 45. Kigongo Saul Kabarole NGO forum 0701623999 saulkigongo@yahoo.com 46. Akampulira Baker Invisible talents Education

Foundation 0774172762 Invisibletalents4@gmail.com

47. Asiimwe Benfred Real Agency for Comm development

0772357580 Real4cd@gmail.com

48. Kyonshabire Godivah

WACSOF 0705467761 kgodivah@gmail.com

49. Twikirize Timothy African International Christian Ministry- AICM

0772859832 aicmuganda@hotmail.com

50. Kahangirwe Imelda Ibanda Women’s Guild

0772513045, 0701503045

ibandawoguild@yahoo.com

51. Banobi Herbert Uganda Functional Literacy Resource Centre

0772930304 banobih@yahoo.com

52. Turyahabwe Arthur Mayanga town council, mayanga sub county

0782878330

53. Tushabe john mary vianney

Nyarwanya youth tweheyo association

0774981329

54. Kakonge Apollo Lee

WACSOF 0702177293 wacsof@gmail.com

55. Justine Nabirye HURINET- U 0772622256 capacity@hurinet.or.ug 56. Alfred Nuamanya UNNGOF 0702465299 a.nuamanya@ngoforum.or.ug

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57. Sophie Kange UNNGOF 0772683398 k.sophie@ngoforum.or.ug 58. Kyamanywa Robert Rural people in action for

development 0772685920 ruralpeople@yahoo.com

59. Arinaitwe stephen Integrated community development initiative

0775638822 Assalina81@gmail.com

60. Naisumba Eve Peace Save foundation Uganda 0785708226 savefoundationuganda@yahoo.com