Music and notions of citizenship in the humanitarian work of two NGOs in Uganda

Abstract

This article explores the ways in which musical practices have become a site for the enactment of particular notions of 'productive' citizenship in the humanitarian work of two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Uganda - Watoto Child Care Ministries and Uganda Heritage Roots. It also highlights how the global connections forged by the two NGOs have impacted the music-making practices that are central to the organizations' aid-provision mandates. Ultimately, as it will be argued here, these global connections inform the conceptions held by the two organizations of how a 'productive' citizen of Uganda should carry him/herself.