Bridging the gap: the role of churches in fostering local-level accountability

Abstract

Faith-based organisations in many contexts have an important role in mobilising citizens to engage with local government actors on accountability issues. International NGO Tearfund supports partner churches to work on advocacy with local government through its church and community mobilisation process. This research examines the strengths and weaknesses of local-level advocacy conducted through the church in Uganda in five key areas: transparency, citizen empowerment, inclusion, government responsiveness and power dynamics. What are the distinctive characteristics of local churches in catalysing citizens to engage with their local governments?