THE ROLE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOS) IN YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IN UGANDA: CASE STUDY OF PLAN INTERNATIONAL, MAJANJI SUB-COUNTY BUSIA DISTRICT, UGANDA.

ABSTRACT

The study examined on the role of NGOs in youth empowerment in Uganda. Busia District,

Majanji Sub County. The primary objective of the study was to assess the contribution of NGOs

to youth empowerment using a case of plan international Uganda. The secondary objectives

were: to evaluate the projects and contributions of plan international Uganda Busia branch in the

socio-economic development and to examine the challenges youths face in accessing the services

of plan international Uganda and their solutions. The study also looked into the history of non

governmental organizations (NOOs) in Busia District. The theory that was used to guide the

study was the empowerment theory. The sample size was 109 respondents who were chosen

from several groups including community development officers. managers of Plan international.

the youth. the elders and the local leaders.

l)ata collection methods used in the study inc1uded~ interviews, observation, group discussions

and questionnaires. The analysis of data ~as done with the help of SPSS computel’ program.

Data were presented and analyzed on the contributions of NGOs to youth empowerment and

these contributions included; asset creation, Pre-employment competencies, Youth engagement

and leadership, focus on adolescent girls among others. The study found out that the

contributions of plan international in the socio-economic development of youths in the Sub

County included Education. Agriculture, Business, and Housing. Challenges youths faced while

accessing empowerment programmes and services also included; Poor roads, Poor Communit~

responsiveness, some of the local leaders in the sub-county sabotaged the NGO’s programs and

inadequate funds. Among the recommendations made is that Plan International and other NODs

should expansion their programmes and services to cover a bigger number of women ~nd youths

in the sub county.

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