A harmony not foreseen. A study of the prevalence of conflict in NGO - local government relations in Uganda

Abstract: The ambition of the study is to explore the area of tension between the local government and non-governmental organizations engaged in service provision in Uganda. By applying the method of most different systems design, the study aims at determining if conflict is more frequent in a high-risk environment compared to a low-risk ditto, as specified by the theory of Michael Bratton?s. Lira District has been chosen to represent the first setting on account of its high level of internal violence and militarization in combination with a significant NGO sector and weak administrative capacity. In contrast, Kabale District has been singled out on the basis of its stability and comparably smaller NGO community. Despite the favourable conditions provided, the outcome does not diverge sufficiently to render the theory explanatory power. This reality is connected to the fact that conventional theory disregards the impact of NGO behaviour on the quality of the relationship. The particular strategies selected in dealing with local government reflect the NGO's normative orientation, which needs to be taken into consideration in order to produce reliable results.