The effects of neoliberalism on the educational sector and the involvement of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in facilitating education provision A case study on Uganda/Kalangala

This thesis aims to discuss the impact of neoliberal reforms on Uganda's educa- tional sector and how NGOs emerged as important actors in the provision of primary education. It argues that due to the austerity policies imposed by the Bretton Woods institutions International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB), the government of Uganda lacked sufficient financial resources to secure public and social service provision, particularly in the educational sphere. As Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) led to the withdrawal of the state, NGOs stepped in to fill the created vacuum. Moreover, this thesis demonstrates how NGOs operating in Uganda were expected to continue providing welfare services, such as education, to the poor while also taking on a key role in pro- moting good governance and facilitating democratization. Taking over state like functions affected the relationship between NGOs, the government as well as civil society. Through an ethnographic and mixed-methods approach, this study explores the contributions of NGOs in the provision of primary education. More precisely, it examines the diverse roles undertaken by the NGO Bbanga Project in delivering educational services and mitigating challenges within the educa- tional sphere on Bugala Island, Uganda. The findings suggest that NGO efforts embedded in grassroots legitimacy, adopting a cooperative approach with com- munity members and local district officials involved, and maintaining the highest possible level of independence from donor interests lead to the most impactful outcomes. It shows that the NGO Bbanga Project is in fact an important player in providing education and in supporting schools, children and parents on Bugala island. This comprehensive study critically reflects on both neoliberal policies and NGO involvement in the primary education sector, with the goal of contributing new insights to a field that has not been sufficiently researched.