A client-community assessment of the NGO sector in Uganda

Using original survey data on beneficiary assessment, we examine the performance of the NGO sector in Uganda. In general satisfaction with NGO intervention is high. We find evidence that NGOs endeavour to redress the balance between rich and poor communities but also that NGOs neglect isolated communities, possibly for cost reasons, and that the accessibility of NGOs to beneficiary communities is lower in poor communities. These factors significantly reduce client-community satisfaction with NGOS. Levels of NGO induced community participation in decision making also vary, with some evidence that participation has an effect on community satisfaction. Some NGO staff are perceived as unresponsive, less than good at what they do, and self-serving, and these perceptions also have a negative impact on community satisfaction.