Together with ADAPTED Early Stage Researcher Ahmed El Assal, based at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam, IEE's Irene Among authored a journal article titled 'Urban Public Perceptions of NGOs’ Accountability and Legitimacy: A Social Media Analysis of #UgandaNGOsExhibition.'
Given the significant role of Non-governmental organizations’ (NGOs’) in the development sector, Among and El Assal investigate the perception of Uganda’s urban public (Twitter/X users), a new emerging advocacy actor in Uganda’s civic space, concerning NGOs’ legitimacy and accountability. Their findings reveal that holding NGOs accountable in closed civic spaces can take various collective forms aside from direct control and co-optation by the government or increased donor scrutiny. Prioritizing naming, shaming, and peer accountability, the urban public appealed to NGO leaders to be more altruistic and practice the same ethos of social justice and accountability they demand from the government. However, Among and El Assal stress that NGOs should be receptive of valid criticism to maintain their legitimacy amid different accountability loci.
El Assal, A. and Among, I. (2024), Urban Public Perceptions of NGOs’ Accountability and Legitimacy: A Social Media Analysis of #UgandaNGOsExhibition. Voluntas (Online First): https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-024-00705-z.