Philanthropy Forum Uganda re-launched
There has been debates about what denotes philanthropy or what exactly it means. Some even wonder if, philanthropy only means generosity through monetary donations and giving. These conversations simply pinpoint that giving and generosity is alive, and it is in various forms.
In 2015, approximately 50 organizations came together to form Uganda Philanthropy Forum. The aim was to bring together philanthropy actors to cooperate, coordinate and explore opportunities that fostered greater impact of the sector in national development.
Fast forward, 2021, The forum upped the ante, with the need to reinvigorate the movement of local givers to reach further and embrace the full make-up of the Ugandan giver.
On 8th April 2021, after several months of planning meetings, a members’ survey to gather ideas on how to define the Forum, COVID-19 restrictions, and the resolve by generous Ugandans to re-ignite this movement, the Philanthropy Forum Uganda was re-launched at the Serena Hotel Conference Centre. The nature of the meeting held was a true reflection of the times with 49 guests in the room and 35 guests online joining the event via Zoom.
The re-launch, under the theme building a movement of local givers for sustainable development aimed to bring together individual and institutional givers from various sectors, regions, and backgrounds to interact, share information and engage in efforts that promote philanthropy. The youngest guests at the event, where two teenagers who have been giving to causes close to their hearts, a demonstration that everybody’s giving counts, and no one is excluded from making a contribution to the development of the nation.
The guest of honor, Ms. Emma Mugisha, the Executive Director of Stanbic Bank and Head of Client Solutions reminded the guests that generosity is about relationships which when harnessed, allow a community to go far and deep and this also puts emphasis on achieving both scale and impact for the better of communities.
As the event got to its bow, the guests deliberated on what a vibrant, effective Forum would look like and committed to participate in building it and growing its membership. There was great optimism that the Forum can have a national face, be a place of collaboration, generate knowledge for and about the sector and local resource mobilization to advance communities.
The coming months, will see the Forum embark on a recruitment drive across the country, supported by CivSource Africa, which is currently its host organization, to host conversations on the cultural symbols and expressions of generosity. As part of those deliberations, individuals, groups and institutions will have an opportunity to hear about the Forum and enroll to be a part of it.
CivSource Afrcia in partnership with the East African Philanthropy Network, together with other members of the interim committee, Okello Ojok of Okere City, Amooti Kangere Wobusobozi from the Ibua Foundation, Eshban Kwesiga and Jackie Ayuya Mukasa, are proud to have created the framework for the Forum and organized to host a stellar relaunch of the Forum. We are confident that together with givers from all corners of the country giving their time, talent, and treasure, we are building a strong movement reimaging local giving and enabling the dignity of communities and Uganda as a whole.
By CivSourse Africa Team