Redefining Localization: A Call for Equitable Partnerships in Uganda’s Humanitarian Sector
The first panel session of the inaugural National Refugee Group (NRG) meeting, held on 11th September, 2024 in Kampala, Uganda, brought forth powerful discussions on the intricacies of localization and equitable partnerships. Facilitated by Ms. Naomi Ayot Oyaro, Executive Director of CAPAIDS Uganda and host of the C4C Secretariat, the session featured a diverse panel comprising key stakeholders from civil society, and international organizations.
Ms. Ayot commenced the session by acknowledging Uganda’s strides in advancing localization through the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) and the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). “Uganda’s commitment to localization is commendable,” she said, adding that the session aimed to explore challenges and best practices for achieving equitable partnerships between local and international actors.
The panel featured prominent voices in the sector, including Mr. Iwa Francis, Executive Director at CAFOMI and Chair of the National Humanitarian Platform; Mr. Arifur Rahman, Senior Development Officer at UNHCR; Mr. Odokorach Francis, Country Director at Oxfam Uganda; and Mr. Jeremy Roos, a researcher in the humanitarian field.
Shifting the Power: Addressing Power Dynamics in Partnerships
The discussion began with Mr. Odokorach Francis, who explored the question of power dynamics and their impact on localization. He highlighted Oxfam’s efforts to promote more equitable partnerships by transferring power and decision-making authority to local actors. “The presence of INGOs is an indication that there is a gap local people or the government has not been able to fill. I look forward to the day when we don’t have as many as there are,” he noted, stressing the need for local actors to gain visibility and recognition in decision-making spaces.
Mr. Odokorach further emphasized the necessity of redefining what constitutes “local.” He pointed out that narrow definitions tend to sideline the actual beneficiaries—communities served by local and international organizations alike. Instead, he argued, the focus should be on supporting local actors to overcome challenges like accountability and transparency, which even INGOs face. “The power imbalance can often be seen through the visibility given to INGOs over local actors, even in high-level meetings,” he added.
UNHCR’s Localization Strategy: Supporting Uganda’s Refugee Response
Responding to Ms. Ayot’s question on how UNHCR defines localization, Mr. Arifur Rahman acknowledged the complexity of the process but reaffirmed UNHCR’s commitment to advancing equitable partnerships. He pointed to Uganda’s pledges at the Global Refugee Forum in December 2023 as a milestone and reiterated UNHCR’s role in realizing these commitments. “Localization is not a straightforward process. It involves gradual changes in how we work, and we must adapt,” he noted.
Mr. Rahman highlighted several key strategies, including developing a national framework for refugee response that emphasizes localization, increasing direct aid to local actors, and collaborating with local governments and refugee networks. He added that these partnerships are crucial for the ongoing development of the national refugee response framework, which aims to strengthen local capacities and ensure more inclusive and effective support for refugees.
Addressing the Challenges: Perspectives from Local Actors
Mr. Iwa Francis offered an insightful reflection on the realities faced by local actors in the humanitarian sector. He underscored the importance of fulfilling the Grand Bargain’s commitment to direct 25% of funding to local actors. However, he lamented that local actors are often placed in subcontractor roles rather than recognized as equal partners. “We are in a constant cycle of identifying and training local actors, building their capacity. Eventually, they go to INGOs and UN. There is no graduation from capacity building,” Mr. Iwa stated, calling for a more sustainable approach to capacity building that genuinely empowers local actors.
He also pointed to the disparity in funding structures, where INGOs receive 7% indirect support from UNHCR, while local NGOs only receive 4%. “This imbalance reflects broader issues in the humanitarian funding system, which has remained unchanged since the 1940s,” he added. To create lasting impact, he emphasized, local actors must be empowered to take control of resources and knowledge.
From Capacity Building to Capacity Sharing: A Researcher’s Perspective
Mr. Jeremy Roos, a researcher and advocate for localization, echoed the need to reframe the conversation around capacity building. “Instead of focusing on capacity building, we should think about capacity sharing,” he suggested, acknowledging that local communities possess the expertise needed to address their own needs. He advocated for collaboration across communities and stressed the importance of providing operational funding to enable local actors to build sustainable initiatives.
Reflections from the Plenary: The Urgent Need for Systemic Change
The plenary session, led by Mr. Mubbalya Keresipo, Partnerships and Localization Specialist at Save the Children, invited participants to reflect on the panel submissions. One participant voiced concern over how the lack of capacity is often “weaponized” against local actors, making it difficult for them to access necessary operational costs. “We are always told that local actors lack capacity, but all actors have capacity. We should be discussing how to harness this capacity,” the participant asserted.
Another participant highlighted the difficulties faced by emerging community-based organizations (CBOs), which often cannot meet the stringent requirements imposed by INGOs and donors. She called for more understanding and support for these actors. A third participant spoke of the challenges in meeting funding requirements and called for INGOs to consider relaxing capacity requirements to allow local actors to compete fairly.
Way Forward: Strengthening Local Capacity and Partnerships
Reflecting on the discussions, Mr. Charles Bafaki from OPM remarked, “Localization is a simple concept, but the discussions have become overly complicated. Local NGOs can provide humanitarian aid more efficiently because they know the context better, but the conversation has shifted to minor details, like language.” He urged all actors to focus on the larger goal of empowering local communities rather than getting bogged down by terminology.
Hon. Alex Byarugaba, MP for Isingiro South, echoed this sentiment, encouraging local NGOs to seek direct funding from the government and advocating for transparency in funding processes. He questioned the extravagance of some INGOs and pointed out that large portions of project funds are often spent on vehicles and other expenses rather than on delivering aid.
A Call for Genuine Commitment to Localization
The panel session and plenary discussions highlighted the urgent need for equitable partnerships in Uganda’s humanitarian sector. Participants called for a shift from immediate crisis aid to promoting self-reliance, strengthening local capacities, and enabling local actors to take control of resources and knowledge. As Mr. Odokorach put it, “The focus should be on impact and how it is achieved, rather than getting distracted by terminology.”
The session concluded with a call for all actors—INGOs, donors, and local organizations—to commit to mutual value addition, trust, and accountability in their partnerships. Localization, they agreed, is a transformative process that requires genuine support, respect, and shared leadership.
