Authors: Mwogereze Richard
Abstract: This study examined perceptions of the capacity of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to contribute to societal peacebuilding in Kamuli District, Uganda. The study was motivated by the growing recognition that NGOs operate at the interface between communities, government institutions and vulnerable populations, placing them in a potentially important position for preventing and transforming conflicts. A qualitative case study design was employed involving three NGOs operating in Kamuli District. Each NGO contributed 15 participants, giving a total of 45 participants comprising managers, project officers and community beneficiaries. Data were analysed thematically, while descriptive percentages were used to demonstrate the distribution of participants' perceptions. Findings revealed that 57% of respondents perceived NGOs as having the greatest capacity to build societal peace, compared with 22% who considered government to have the greatest capacity, while 21% believed that community members themselves had greater responsibility and capacity for building peace. The findings suggest that NGOs are perceived not merely as service-delivery organisations but as important peacebuilding actors because of their proximity to communities, participatory approaches and ability to mobilise local actors. However, the findings also demonstrate that sustainable societal peace cannot be attributed to NGOs alone. Government authority and community ownership remain essential components of a comprehensive peacebuilding architecture. The study argues that the greatest peacebuilding potential lies in strengthening the relationship among NGOs, government and communities rather than positioning these actors in competition with one another.
