0
0
These CSOs had given hope, empowered the communities, the majority of whom are vulnerable people.
By Marion Ajwang
Lira – February 22, 2022: The strike made by the Covid-19 pandemic will leave undesirable effects on humanity for decades to come.
Globally, the pandemic has ravaged every sector: the population, especially the vulnerable group will take much longer to recover physically, mentally and economically.
Before the pandemic, the vulnerable group were getting the support of different kinds from both the community-based organisations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Both the former and the latter are now known as the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
In Lango sub-region, these CSOs had given hope, empowered the communities, the majority of whom are vulnerable people.
And while Covid-19 has also created or come with some opportunities, however, over 70 CSOs have closed offices in the sub-region due to effects brought by the pandemic and due to breach of regulations as set by their regulator.
Also, according to reports, over 38 Civil Society Organisations (out of over 70) that were serving Lango under the Lira NGO Forum have closed only due to a lack of funds after the COVID-19 pandemic.
TND News understands that the CSOs still operating include Trust-A-Girl Africa, Children of Hope, Holistic Animal Life Uganda, Village Synergy; Youth for Human Rights International, Alere Women Entrepreneur Support Organisation, Brave Initiative Africa, and others.
Dickens Ogwal, the Lira NGO Forum Executive Director said COVID-19 affected funding of the Civil Society Organisations in Lango. He said other challenges have also caused their exits.
Ogwal said at the moment only 78 of about 150 civil society organisations are operational.
He added that this crisis blocks an organisation from showcasing its ability to the public and yet visibility helps them attract more funds.
Peter Oceng, the Northern Regional Supervisor M-Omulimisa blames most of the CSOs for their projects’ design, policies and recruitment of workers while ignoring the locals who can better make the organisation remain lively even when its contract ends.
He advised that the Civil Society Organisations should embark on training than issuing handouts; engage the locals as workers in their institutions other than employing other nationals to perform simple tasks the locals can.
Esther Atoo, the Children of Hope Uganda Executive Director said they were not financially affected since the organisation had just received funding from the donor.
Atoo added that the community have assisted them by embracing skilling works onto their children, expressing that most of the school-going children now perform practical work like bricklaying to pay for their school fees.
Catherine Akao, the Village Synergy’s Communication Officer said local partners within the organisation like Teklim and Limwillo have helped in mobilizing the funds for the effective running of the organisation.
Akao said time management and high expectations from the locals have remained their greatest challenge and yet they aim to build one another so their lives are made better.
Moses Samuel Eduke is hopeful to start a male boutique after saving some money when he joined Women Nutrition and Sanitation Programme.
