CHAPTER 6: Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations in East Africa

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

1. understand the origin and background to CSOS and NGOs formation in East Africa.
2. know the differences between CSOS and NGOS.
3. understand the role of a CSO and NGO in East Africa.
4. appreciate the challenges facing CSOS and NGOs in East Africa.
5. appreciate the role of CSOs and NGOs in the development of the East African states.

Keywords

• civil society
• organisations (CSOs)
• dehumanising
• international federation of women lawyers (FIDA)
• non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

Introduction

After studying this chapter, you will be able to understand Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), their roles, and the challenges they face in promoting community welfare. You will, thereafter, be able to solve any problem related to this chapter.

After regaining independence, African countries continued to struggle with the negative social, political and economic effects of colonialism. These include corruption, dehumanisation, traditional and cultural erosion, and violation of human rights, among others. The rise of CSOS and NGOs was one of the ways to respond to these effects. There was great need to restore dignity and the feeling of humanity to East Africans, to fight for human rights and seek the common good of the people in East Africa.

Origins of Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations

Civil society organisations have their roots in Western political thought. It has developed and grown since the term first became popular in the 1980s and now it includes a wide range of organised groups. These include trade unions, social movements, grassroots organisations, online networks and communities, and faith-based organisations.

Civil society organisations became popular in the 1980s when there was growing dissatisfaction with the perceived dishonesty of governments, especially as recipients of aid. They became the intermediate layer of governance between the citizens and the state in resolving issues.

In East Africa, CSOs have existed since the colonial period with the emergence of a number of social movements and organisations like religious organisations. These were later joined by farmers’ associations and political parties. In the colonial era, CSOS primarily consisted of mission-established hospitals, educational establishments, charitable institutions and co-operatives of export growers and trade unions/associations. Some of these later gave rise to pre-independence political parties.

The peasant cooperative societies and trade unions were taken over by the government after independence. The mission schools, for example in Uganda, were integrated into the state system while some political parties were banned. The CSOs were confined to dealing with humanitarian, missionary, business and farmers’ needs.

The growing instabilities in East Africa left the churches and NGOS with the responsibility to provide welfare services since the governments could not provide enough social amenities. The CSOS grew and expanded in Uganda but were much weaker than in most parts of East Africa.

In the 1990s, there was rapid growth in the number of CSOs. They were considered by the donors as less corrupt, more efficient and closer to the community. The donors preferred to channel their financial support through them. The CSOs have been involved in addressing challenges of public interest and specifically the shortfalls in government efforts to deliver services to the people. They are also involved in providing accountability and advocating for the rights and interests of the people.

These organisations have been instrumental in influencing political platforms in governments in East Africa. They have enhanced governance. They act as agents for promoting development and democratic governance. They have mobilised masses towards political transitions and have created civic awareness and increased public participation in politics as well.

Activity 6.1 Finding out about civil society and non-governmental organisations in East Africa

1. In groups, identify and discuss the CSOS and NGOs in your community.

2. Explain the role of CSOs and NGOs in your community. Discuss how the community has benefited from the activities of CSOS and NGOs in your locality.

Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations in East Africa Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations

Civil society organisations and NGOs include professional associations, foundations, independent research institutes, community-based organisations (CBOs), faith-based organisations, people’s organisations, social movements and labour unions. They are not associated with the government.

Figure 6.1: (a) Child soldiers and (b) hunger-striken children: CSOs advocate for the human rights of vulnerable communities

They advocate for the rights of the public in economic, hesh and environmental sectors by influencing government decisions They also hold government officials accountable for the actions taken. They advocate for the inclusion and implementation of human rights in the development policies of governments. They force institutions of government to be sensitive to the needs and rights of their citizens.

In essence, NGOs are part of civil society, only that they are non- profit voluntary organisations and legally constituted to operate independently of the government. They offer several opportunities to people in need and provide social justice, development and advocacy for human rights.

Activity 6.2 Comparing CSOs and NGOs

1. Using ICT or the library, research and identify the similarities and differences between CSOs and NGOs. 2. Explain the roles of clubs and associations in your school as compared to the roles of CSOS and NGOs present a report to the class after the group discussions.

The Role of Civil Society Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations

Civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been involved in the provision of social services for a long time. Their services are easily accessible to people compared to government or private organisations, are more effective and of higher quality. This has been the case where government services have been limited or expensive to access from the private sector. They have focused on people in great need and on core areas.

They have contributed to the protection of people’s human rights through supporting development and supplementing the provision of basic services like education and health care. They have participated in making policies that reduce conflict and benefit people. They have acted as checks on the excesses of government to defend the liberty of citizens.

Figure 6.2: (a) Mothers at a health facility (b) Children in a classroom: CSOs play a big role in provision of services like health and education to the vulnerable

Civil society organisations improve transparency and good governance. They contribute to the public debate on the formulation and implementation of government budgets. They point out issues of public revenues and priorities on spending such revenue, thus contributing to good governance. Where possible they put pressure on government to carry out reforms towards democracy.

Figure 6.3: Displaced persons: CSOs have been instrumental in helping victims in conflict-prone areas

They have mobilised resources and represented the voices of citizens. They participate in meetings and planning discussions with government institutions. They have raised concerns on issues of delaying the implementation of government commitments.

In addition, they help governments to achieve their goals and monitor compliance. Through their participation in government programmes, they develop opinions and recommendations that influence government decisions.

Civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations have also been involved in areas of conflict. They have voiced issues of the marginalised and vulnerable groups and have created mechanisms for finding solutions. They are found in the communities where they help prevent and check violence through dialogue. They work with the youth and women to empower them for development and to build peace in cases of conflict.

Activity 6.3 Explaining the role of civil society organisations and non- governmental organisations

1. Using ICT, library research, or from the people around you identify the faith-based organisations in your community.

2. Explain the role played by faith-based organisations in your community.

3. In groups, discuss how faith-based organisations have improved the livelihoods of the people in your community.

The Challenges of Civil Society and Non- Governmental Organisations

Civil society and non-governmental organisations face a lot of challenges in the execution of their roles. The challenges include; limited funding, government interference and intolerance.

There is always an element of mistrust in their roles by the government. Most governments have associated CSOs with forces that oppose the government. In most cases, governments have undermined the efforts of CSO and NGOs in building a partnership.

These organisations operate in a sensitive area like fighting corruption. As a result, they often face harassment and threats from those involved. In some cases, their roles involve participating in protests to resist government excesses and policies. Some CSOS have ended up being banned or closed.

CSOS and NGOs do not generate their own income. As a result, they find themselves at the mercy of those who fund their activities. Where the government is involved in funding, the organisations are forced to tow the government line and end up becoming rubber stamps instead of playing the role for which they were set up. Secondly, those which depend on donor funding will also depend on the interest of the donor. It is not a sure deal that funds will keep flowing and in some cases the donors have withdrawn support, thus affecting the organisations’ activities.

CSOS and NGOs are limited by the legal regime existing in a country. They have to operate within the rules and regulations of the country. Sometimes the laws may not be favourable to the operations of the CSOS or the parties needing assistance. The laws sometimes limit the scope of operation and make it difficult for CSOS to operate. Some laws are designed to kick out CSO which are considered hostile to the government.

Activity 6.4 1. The challenges of civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations

1. Using ICT or the library, research and identify the roles of FIDA and World Vision as non-governmental organisations.
2. Explain the challenges the two organisations have faced while serving the communities.
3. Discuss how CSOS and NGOs have addressed the challenges of gender-based conflicts and domestic violence.