Empowerment of indigenous communities for transformative participation in socio-economic development

Abstract

The study was set out to assess the contribution of UOBDU in empowerment of indigenous communities for transformative participation in socio-economic development in Uganda. The objectives that guided the study are; examining the strategies of UOBDU in empowering the Batwa for transformative participation in social economic development, to assess the contribution of UOBDU in the self-determined economic development of the Batwa, to assess the contribution of UOBDU in the self determined social development of the Batwa, to examine the factors that affects the empowerment of the Batwa for transformative participation in social economic development. The researcher used a case study design which was based on purely qualitative techniques and approaches. Qualitative data collection methods were employed in gathering, analyzing data, and sample was 65 respondents of which 59 responded. The study relied on primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data was collected using interview guides, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and observations. While secondary data was collected using different documents such as text books, journals, policy documents, reports and magazines and findings presented in tables and pie-charts using frequencies and percentages. Findings revealed that UOBDU carries out different projects and advocacy activities aimed at empowering Batwa communities which provides a forum for them to discuss, share their experiences and facilitates their participation in socio-economic development. However, findings also revealed the major negative factors that affect Batwa’s empowerment as; landlessness, poverty, high illiteracy levels, alcohol consumption, lack of participation in public life and their overall human rights status remains dire. Therefore there is urgent need for concerted effort among all stakeholders to highlight the plight of Batwa and avert both humanitarian situation and rights violations among them. The study recommended that holistic empowerment of the Batwa shouldn’t be left to the organization alone but government of Uganda should come up with Affirmative action focusing on programs, projects and policies that addresses their issues.