}

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Local Fundraising Philantrophy

The Shadow Side of Philanthropy

Summary

This paper focuses on the shadow side of philanthropy, covering several epochs in Uganda’s history that have sharpened the diversity of generosity gestures. The paper analyses some of the areas practitioners in the philanthropy sector should apply their minds to and avoid in the journey of building a progressive philanthropy ecosystem that works to serve the aspirations of those who give with good-will and those who receive the good-will gestures.
In the analysis on the dimensions that sometimes cast a shadow on giving, the paper shows that this produces mistrust, frustration, exploitation, abuse and misfortune among several other negative ramifications.
The first section sets out the context in which philanthropy happens in Africa – locating it in the state-society relations within the colonial and post-colonial context. The second part looks at some selected pitfalls in philanthropic practice and the last part offers some forward-looking recommendations.
What this paper has attempted to achieve is clarity in understanding that while philanthropy at its core is about doing good in society, it is also laced with elements that can create a dark side. This
paper is therefore an attempt at surfacing these dark sides, not so much as a judgmental exercise but rather an awareness creation endeavor.

Review

Challenging paper about the dark sides of philanthropy. Not only in Uganda, but probably worldwide. Good to read for sharpening one’s awareness about the real motives behind ‘doing good’.

Keywords

African Philanthropy Philanthropy

Author: Ssewakiryanga Richard

Publisher/source/organization: Uganda National NGO Forum and Centre for Basic Research

Place and year of issue: Kampala 2022

Type: Article [Unkown]

Country/region: Africa Uganda

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