Frequently Asked Questions

Does NGO Forum Replace DENIVA? What is the difference between them?

The Uganda NGO Forum does not replace DENIVA because the roles for both bodies are different. Secondly, DENIVA is a network of indigenous associations while the NGO Forum is a platform for a wider constituency of both local and international NGOs, including networks. The NGO Forum is a platform for democracy to speak on behalf of the people and to hold government accountable to the people. The NGO Forum plays a moderating role by asking member organisations to be accountable to their general membership.

What is The Uganda NGO Forum? Why was it created?

The Uganda National NGO Forum is an independent, collective voice for civil society. It was established in 1997 to bring together National and International NGOs working in areas of Advocacy and Lobbying to effectively engage on public policies, so that they reflect the views and concerns of the poor.

Its Vision is to have a society with people-centred policies and programmes that guarantee and protect the rights of all and empower the marginalised to increase their choices, in order for them to realise their full potential

The Mission of the Uganda NGO Forum is to be a leading apex body and collective voice for civil society organisations operating in Uganda, to effectively influence the policies, programmes and practices of government, bilateral and multilateral bodies, other development partners and the private sector for equitable development through dialogue, partnership development, research, lobbying, advocacy, networking, information exchange, monitoring and evaluation.

What is the main objective of NGO Forum?

The overall objective of the NGO Forum is: “To be a platform for NGOs operating in Uganda, to contribute to public Policy dialogue through advocacy, networking, partnership development and information exchange. NGOs are key civil society players.

What areas does the NGO Forum deal in?

Thematic Areas for NGO Forum include:

• Human rights
• Environment and natural resources
• Education/Training/Research
• Agriculture
• Appropriate Technology
• Credit, Savings and income generating activities
• Integrated development
• Health
• Women
• Children
• Youth
• Disabled
• The elderly
• Faith based organisations

How can I help NGO Forum?

• Become an active member and supporter and contribute ideas and articles for NGO Forum publications.
• Promote the objective and values of the Forum and contribute funds, time and other forms of support
• You can become a volunteer or an affiliate.

How Do I become a member?

Membership is open to all registered civil society organisations. A subscription fee is charged for membership, which defers according to type of organisation and period.

Types of membership

International organisations: These are NGOS with head offices outside Uganda but operating within Uganda and those locally registered but having international affiliation while operating in Uganda, such as the Red Cross.

National NGOs: These are neither international nor umbrella organisations and operating in more than one Uganda district.

District based NGOs: These operate in areas not exceeding one district.

Networks and umbrellas: These are NGOs having other registered NGOs as members; composed as registered associations.

How Do members benefit from NGO Forum?

Some of the benefits accrued to members of the NGO Forum include:

1. Joining the winning team: Becoming part of a collective, coordinated and coherent civil society voice, which is greater than the sum of its members. This facilitates pro-active contribution to pro-poor policies and legislative change
2. Use of brand and corporate identity: The Forum gives an opportunity for affiliated district fora to use their certificates and good name of the NGO Forum (with its consent) to further their objectives.
3. Sharing experiences: It gives an opportunity for indigenous and International Organizations to meet and share experiences and jointly undertake critical analyses of strategic issues that affect the poor.
4. Enhanced integrity: The Forum has put in place a Code of Conduct in order to enhance integrity and discipline of members. This Code of Conduct provides for the self- discipline, regulation and a mechanism of restraint for NGOs and CBOs operating in Uganda under the Uganda National NGO Forum as guided by the core values and principles of identity.
5. Access to original research: The Forum conducts research on critical social issues then can be accessed and shared by the district fora and other partners. This improves on effective advocacy work e.g. the forum has conducted research on user fees in Government health centers and their implication on the people. There is also research going on about the awarding of tenders at the district level.
6. Capacity building: It provides opportunities for capacity building especially on topical issues. For instance, it could be used as an avenue to educate members on Uganda Government programmes like Plan for Modernization of Agriculture (PMA) and other poverty related programmes.
7. Joint advocacy: It also provides a strong ally in holding Government and global governance institutions accountable for pro-poor policies and out comes.
8. Reference point: The Forum provides a contact point for Government, donors and other partners. This facilitates easy access to individual NGOs at the district.
9. Alternative point of view: The Forum provides a source of alternative and authentic sound analyses, policy options and poverty indicators on emerging development concerns. This information could be used by the districts for advocacy and policy influence.
10. Improved visibility: It provides an opportunity to contribute to a more effective and visible civil society engaged in policy advocacy.
11. Cross-cutting issues: The Forum provides a base for various thematic groups e.g. gender, youth, children etc.to effectively engage in issues that affect them and suggest appropriate solutions for intervention.
12. Efficient information exchange: The Forum also coordinates and processes feedbacks from various district fora. It provides linkages between the CSOs at the district with Government and other development partners. This facilitates information exchange and resources for effective development.
13. Improved performance and accountability: The Forum can be a source of constructive criticism and challenge. This leads to improved performance and accountability.
14. Synergy: Through the Forum, areas of comparative advantage can be identified from various district forums and interventions are done.
15. Effective networking: The national forum facilitates networking and dialogue among NGOs/CBOs to build consensus on issues critical to policies impacting on poverty eradication and other development concerns.
16. Fundraising: The Forum also designs and implements fundraising and financial sustainability strategies in such a way as to avoid dependency.
17. It is supposed to give value to members in return for their subscriptions and other financial and non-financial contributions.

How do NGOs in Uganda regulate themselves?

The Uganda NGO Forum has a Code of Conduct to which its members are required to subscribe. This is supposed to encourage self regulation and promote integrity. A Code of Conduct Committee, which is elected by the National Council monitors compliance. It is intended to enhance integrity of NGOs that choose to live by it. All members of the Forum must subscribe to the Code. The most important elements of the Code of Conduct include:

1. Commitments by members to adhere to generally acceptable accounting principles
2. Prohibiting staff of member NGOs from serving self-interest or aggrandizement at the expense of those for whom funds are raised;
3. Non-involvement by members in activities that compromise national security;
4. Holding property in trust;
5. Encouraging transparency and participatory governance by member NGOs

Has NGO Forum anything to show since its establishment?

Oh Yes! The NGO Forum has scored on many fronts, especially in areas such as publicity and information exchange, establishment, capacity building, lobby and advocacy for NGOs, and developing strategic visions for the NGO fraternity, among many others. Major NGO Forum achievements include:

Publicity and Information Exchange

• Started and published newsletters such as The Lobbyist, Strategica, etc.
• Published pamphlets on NGO Forum
• Published Annual Reports
• Wrote and presented occasional papers on themes of the day
• Sensitized CSOs, government and other players about NGO Forum
• Started Radio call-in and TV programmes
• ·Collected existing research
• Facilitated formation of District Fora
• NGO Forum staff and members of NEC visited districts to meet NGOs
• Convened General Assemblies, national Council meetings and National Executive Committee meetings to offer guidance to the Secretariat
• Developed a Website for information exchange. The website also consists of a database of NGOs, and other information sites
• Initiated a computer for development programme to facilitate networking

Establishment

• Established a fully-fledged NGO Forum Secretariat by November 1997
• Recruited competent staff
• Purchased equipment for the Secretariat
• Registered the Uganda National NGO Forum with the Uganda National Board for Registration of non-governmental organizations, on 26 May 2000
• Put in place a constitution for the Uganda National NGO Forum

Capacity Building

• Trained staff in areas such as accounting, information technology. This was intended to improve their performance
• Trained NGOs and CBOs on policy formulation and process
• Trained legislators on policy process and formulation
• Provided CSOs computers and accessories, training, technical support and maintenance, through the Computers-for-Development Programme. The computers will increase the use of modern ICTs and contribute to reduction of digital divide between the NGOs in Uganda and the global community.

Lobby and Policy Advocacy for NGOs

• Secured positions on policy level organizations of stakeholders
• Convened meetings of thematic groups to discuss concrete positions on some key issues
• Prepared and issued guidelines for integration of NGO activities into development plans at national, district and lower level administrative structures.
• In consultation with other stakeholders, engaged in key policy monitoring and evaluation activities. More specifically, the Structural Adjustment Participatory Review International Network (SAPRIN) process, to review the macro-economic policies; the advocacy on US Bill on Trade and Investment; Education Bill-2000; NGO Registration Amendment Bill-2000;
• Established NGO Code of Conduct, which is a mechanism for NGOs self-regulation in order to enhance integrity and accountability to the NGO publics

Developing Strategic Vision for the Forum and the NGO Fraternity

• Developed Forum strategic concept paper
• Developed Forum vision, mission and objectives, values, principles, etc.
• Developed strategic plans for years 1999-2001, and 2001-2003.
• Carried out fundraising activities

What are the priority areas of focus for NGO Forum?

Advocacy, Human rights, economic policy empowerment

What kind of partnerships is NGO Forum cultivating to make its vision a successful?

To work with the people, the government, the private sector

How will NGO Forum contribute to poverty alleviation in Uganda?

Through the media, membership recruitment, capacity building, etc

How does NGO Forum mobilise other CSOs in contributing to poverty reduction and development in Uganda?

Through a women’s thematic group. Through promotion of gender equity. Holds government to account.

Is NGO Forum a donor agency? If yes, how can one access funds?

NGO Forum is not a donor agency

What sort of impact will NGO Forum have on the poor, voiceless and marginalised?

Empower them to demand for and create change

How does NGO Forum cater for the needs of the women, who are the majority and most vulnerable in Uganda?

Through a women’s thematic group. Through promotion of gender equity. Holds government to account.

How does NGO Forum address the issue of human rights and governance?

Mainstream rights. Taking a rights-based approach to development, anti-corruption campaigns, civic