KAMPALA: Speaking during a panel discussion organized by Open Space Center at the 2022 African Philanthropy National Assembly, Dr. Moses Isooba the Executive Director National NGO Forum tabled the need for philanthropists to focus on giving for development instead of giving for charity.
Dr. Isooba noted that much as it is good to give, it’s high time philanthropists shifted their target from giving for charity to giving for development.
“We need to ride on the government economic empowerment program of the Parish Development Model such that we get an opportunity to go down to community and also contribute to the economic development of the people,” Dr. Isooba added.
In unison, the Open Space Center Team Leader Wakibu Bunnya who applauded philanthropists for being open to giving noted that giving for charity and giving for development have to go hand in hand.
Shading light on how to encourage Ugandans to give more instead of depending on foreign aid and donations, Wakibu warned philanthropists that local fundraising has to evolve. He noted that local fundraising can only evolve if philanthropists build trust and accountability in the communities where they operate.
In support, Antonio Bweme -Civ Source Africa emphasized the relevance of documentation and accountability when philanthropists receive funds. “We have to change the perception of ‘if the right hand gives, the left hand should not know’ such that there is documentation of giving such that we determine whether there has been impact or not.
As of late, many Ugandans are in dire need of financial assistance and basic needs as a result of the unending calamities ranging from floods in Eastern Uganda, food starvation in Karamoja, and diseases like COVID-19 and Ebola. As a resolution, fellow Ugandans ought to step up and uplift each other from poverty through almsgiving.
Through the ‘Give for Good’ initiative spearheaded by Open Space Center, side effects of these calamities can be remedied by giving hope to the victims by providing support in form of cash, food, clothes, and services.