KABALE! Local Governments Encouraged to Incorporate Philanthropy in Economic Development Strategies

Summary:

• Kabale District Vice Chairperson Miria Akankwasa Tugume highlighted the importance of political leaders and government technocrats beginning mass mobilization and sensitization efforts to encourage community participation in the implementation of the Local Economic Development Policy.

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KABALE: Local government authorities have been urged to integrate philanthropy into their annual strategic plans aimed at promoting Local Economic Development (LED).

The call was made on Monday during a stakeholder dialogue on philanthropy, which was defined simply as “Generous Giving” for Development. The event took place at White Horse Inn in Kabale Municipality.

Dignitaries from the Kigezi Sub-region, including district heads of departments, political leaders, civil society representatives, and other stakeholders, participated in the dialogue. The event was organized by the non-governmental organization Kick Corruption Out of Uganda (KICK-U) in partnership with the Uganda National NGO Forum and the Uganda Local Government Association (ULGA).

The theme of the dialogue was “The Potential of Philanthropy as an Implementing Strategy Using Local Economic Development (LED) Policy to Enhance Socioeconomic Transformation in the Kigezi Region.”

In his presentation, Robert Kakuru Byamugisha, the Executive Director of KICK-U, emphasized that many individuals and groups are willing to contribute their talents, time, money, and other forms of generosity to support local economic development. However, he noted that LED implementers have not adequately included these potential contributors in the strategic planning processes at the district local government level.

On this matter, Kabale District Vice Chairperson Miria Akankwasa Tugume highlighted the importance of political leaders and government technocrats beginning mass mobilization and sensitization efforts to encourage community participation in the implementation of the Local Economic Development Policy.

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In his closing remarks, the Rukiga District Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Zadok Kamusiime, commended KICK-U and its partners for organizing the “insightful dialogues,” noting that they provide valuable guidance to policymakers and implementers. He also expressed support for promoting philanthropy as a local economic development strategy.

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Meanwhile, Robert Ninyesiga, Program Coordinator for Philanthropy for Development at the Uganda NGO Forum, shared that similar dialogues were being held across all sub-regions of the country. He added that key insights from these dialogues would be compiled and submitted to relevant policymaking institutions.