The Role of NGOS in the Development and Integration of Batwa People into Local Communities in Muko Sub-County Kabale District

ABSTRACT The study was carried out on the role of NGO5 in the development and integration of Batwa people into local communities in Muko Sub-countY, Kabale district. The main objectives of the study were to assess the role that NGOs were playing in the development and integration of Batwa people, the challenges they face in trying to do their work and the challenges that the Batwa people face in their new areas of settlement. The study employed a descriptive research design to describe the issues pertaining the NGOs and their role in development and integration of Batwa people into local communities. The study population included the Batwa people, local people (Bakiga), local leaders and officials from NGOS concerned with the development and integration of Batwa people into local communities. Data was collected from these respondents using interviews which were held with the Batwa and questionnaire which were administered to local leaders and NGO officials. Data was analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis where related data was grouped to the same theme depending on the research questions. From the study findings, it was found out that NGOs were playing a great role in the development and integration of Batwa people into local communities by purchasing land, building schools and hçspitalS for Batwa people, sensitization of both the Batwa and the local people and starting self-help projects to raise income for Batwa people. It was also found out that both NGOs and Batwa people faced a lot of challenges including low finances, ignorance among the Batwa, remoteness of areas occupied by Batwa, diseases like Malaria, low space for resettlement and dispossession of Batwa from their property. However, NGOs were doing everything possible to solve all these challenges amicably