Problems and Purpose In 1996, the Malawian government began a process of decentralization, stating that it would improve service delivery, increase citizen participation, and ultimately reduce poverty. These efforts culminated in local government elections in 2000, but it quickly became clear that decentralization faced many challenges, including a lack of...

This case documents how ordinary people in northern Uganda are choosing to participate in informal settings on a daily basis. Here, away from the gaze of those in power, people are able to speak their minds with their friends and family, exploring the legitimacy, potential, and power of their concerns.