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 Periodical article |
 Leiden University catalogue |
 WorldCat |
| Title: | Prospects of civil society in East African reality: cases of Kenya and Uganda |
| Author: | Szupejko, Malgorzata |
| Year: | 2000 |
| Periodical: | Hemispheres: Studies on Cultures and Societies |
| Issue: | 15 |
| Pages: | 105-117 |
| Language: | English |
| Geographic terms: | Uganda Kenya |
| Subjects: | NGO political systems |
| Abstract: | The present article sketches the prospects of civil society in East Africa, particularly Kenya and Uganda, based on the author's research there in October 1999. It focuses on NGOs because of their significant role in the formation of civil society. The article first briefly discusses the term civil society before describing the activities of African NGOs. 'Civic education' is one of the most important goals of NGOs in the process of building civil society. Civic education, as opposed to formal education, can be realized in an unconventional way and addressed also to the illiterate, for example via radio programmes. Through their educational role NGOs can also become advocates for social change, helping to create power centres independent of the State. Such activity may help provide citizens with an alternative or a supplement to political parties that may not fully represent their interests. These organizations can help channel the interests and demands of their members to government. This is particularly the case with disadvantaged groups, such as women, youth or other minorities. Closely linked to the advocacy role is the NGO role of watchdog. Together with other political actors, such as political parties, lawyers' associations and the media, NGOs help to articulate, negotiate and foster the interests of civil society, and thus bring societal interests and issues into the political arena. Notes, ref. |