Corruption and Delivering on Commitments in SOS Children's Village Kakiri, Wakiso District

Abstract

AKAMPURIRA CHRISTOPHER (2007-M023-10003) Corruption and Delivering on Commitments in SOS Children's Village Kakiri, Wakiso District This study set out to establish the prevalence of corruption and its impact on delivering on commitments in SOS Children‟s village Kakiri, an Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO) in Wakiso District. The specific objectives were: to establish the forms of corruption prevalent at SOS Children‟s village Kakiri; to examine the accountability mechanisms in place used at SOS Kakiri; and to establish the link between corruption and the quality and quantity of care provided to OVC. The data sources used in this study included responses given in a specially designed questionnaire; interviews with key informants purposefully applied to the study; observations on the welfare of OVC, published works and documentaries on anti-corruption, performance and accountability mechanisms of NGOs were all essential in this study. The research design was a case study carried out on SOS Children‟s village Kakiri. The number of respondents was 150 purposively selected according to the different methods used in data collection to ensure wide coverage of views and their representativeness of the population under study. The findings established that corruption at SOS Children‟s village Kakiri involved generally few individuals and was not systemic or entrenched within the daily workings of the organisation. The study established the forms of corruption prevalent in the OVC NGO as petty and isolated, with manifestation of favouritism, abuse of power, nepotism and cronyism. The overall performance of the NGO in delivering the quality and quantity of services was explored. The findings were conclusive. They indicated that petty corruption was the most prevalent form of corruption at SOS Children‟s Village Kakiri. The crosscutting representative aspect of corruption was favouritism and cronyism. Multiple accountability mechanisms are used by SOS Children‟s village to achieve functional accountability. It was noted that corruption at SOS was not simply in terms of financial scandal but more broadly any deviation from the mission and core values. To contribute toward improvement in the quality of child care provision, the major study recommendation was that SOS Children‟s Village Kakiri should take accountability much more seriously by developing both functional and strategic mechanisms that promote participation, performance monitoring and evaluation for effective delivery of services, while minimising corruption; and to ensure equitable, targeted and fair distribution of resources toward the most affected OVC in the areas of operation. Children in non-family care settings may gain a more positive experience of childhood and will be supported in building a foundation for their future lives as contributing individuals in their society. This study is, therefore, important for the development of children and ensuring services work for the underprivileged and disadvantaged children in our society. Keywords: Corruption, SOS children, Wakiso distrcit