Mbale,Uganda: CivLegacy foundation and Bugisu NGO Forum (BUNGOF) recently hosted a vibrant multi-stakeholder dialogue that brought together government officials,civil society organizations,private sector representatives, cultural leaders and researchers. The discussions centered on one major theme “Building Bridges: Business and Civil Society Networking for Development”
Representing the Chief Administrative Officer, Ms. Catherine emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships in driving the government’s development agenda.
“As government,we cannot do much alone; we need non state actors to compliment our work” – she stated..
Ms Catherine Namubara the Town Clerk making her remarks during the dialogue in Mbale City.
She highlighted ongoing government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), noting that despite substantial investment, community appreciation and proper utilization of funds remain limited. She urged citizens to embrace government programs, work closely with CSOs, and champion mindset change which is one of the key pillars of PDM.
Mr. Robert Ninyesigathe Philanthropy Program Lead at CivLegacy Foundation underscored the role of collaboration as recognized in Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP IV).
“To achieve our dreams and goals, we must work together. The roles of CSOs and the private sector are clearly recognized in the NDP IV,” he affirmed.
He further explained that the Local Economic Development (LED) Policy provides a framework for strengthening partnership between local government, private sector and communities in order to collectively accelerate regional growth.
Mr.Abas Wetaka a researcher, described the civil society sector as an innovative space that thrives on voluntary participation and social purpose rather than profit. He challenged CSOs to move beyond the “beggar” perception and position themselves as credible partners in development.
“Sustainable development cannot be achieved if purchasing power isn’t grown” he noted, underscoring the importance of CSOs investing in economic empowerment initiatives which inturn benefit the private sector.
“A restaurant owner should be interested in a CSO that is training farmers on modern methods of farming” he argued, while making a case for cross-sector partnerships.
He also introduced the concept of structured giving, encouraging people to give consistently rather than one-off reactive approaches.
Mr.Abas Wetaka a researcher
Wamono Hamza from Consults International rooted his presentation in the LED Policy as a key driver of sustainable development. He challenged leaders to reflect on how to actualize the aspirations of the LED Policy, noting that it must be popularized and integrated at all levels of governance.
“Local governments need to deliberately bring together CSOs and the private sector for joint planning and identification of initiatives,” he emphasized.
Hamza called for collaborative advocacy approaches where CSOs champion better business environments alongside social justice. He encouraged participants to assess the performance of LED and find ways of “breathing life into it.” Strengthening partnerships across sectors, he argued, would enable more proactive responses to community needs.
He further highlighted the differing yet complementary missions of development actors:
“We must understand the difference between our goals and cultures while the private sector focuses on profit-making, CSOs prioritize social impact. Both can coexist and complement each other when aligned towards shared development outcomes.”
Mr.Stephen Masiga, the Spokesperson of the Bamasaba Cultural Institution,shared the cultural dimension of local development. He posed a key question: What role can cultural institutions play in bridging the gap between CSOs, the private sector, and government?
Mr .Stephen Masiga the Bamasaba Cultural Institution speaks to stakeholders
Masiga stressed the importance of appreciating the unique roles that each actor plays in society and ensuring bottom-up policy making processes that reflect community priorities.
“We need to work for peace and unity,” he emphasized, noting that cultural institutions have a unique influence in fostering dialogue, trust, and social cohesion all of which are essential foundations for sustainable development.
From this meeting was a general feeling that now is the time for CSOs and the private sector to move beyond dialogue and engage into bold, coordinated action, because together, they can turn shared challenges into powerful opportunities for community transformation.
Trained by Reuters in the UK,Cherop Mark Cherirei is a passionate journalist with a strong focus on good governance and human rights. Known for his insightful storytelling and investigative skills, he amplifies marginalized voices and promotes accountability. Fluent in English and Kupsabiny, Mark engages diverse audiences and contributes to civic education initiatives, leveraging journalism as a tool for positive social change.
