‘Orukurato’ live radio
talkshow on accountability and service delivery monitoring which has been
supported by Toro Development Network (ToroDev) in partnership with HITS FM,
Fort Portal has been suspended by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) over
allegations of inciting violence against some government officials. The ‘Orukurato’
is a Runyakitara language word meaning ‘debate’. The live radio talkshow has
been suspended together with another sister live radio talkshow called ‘Ekitangazo’
also on HITS FM which also broadcasts issues of accountability and governance.
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| Participants on the 'Orukurato' |
The suspension of the
live radio talkshow follows President Museveni’s Directive in December 2012 to
close radio stations which hosts undisciplined civilians http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Museveni-threatens-to-close-down-radio-stations/-/688334/1649892/-/mkhtgv/-/index.html.
UCC which suspended the talkshows in January, 2013 is a Uganda government body
mandated with regulating the broadcast sector
The radio talkshow which
has been broadcasting every Saturday (08:00 – 10:00pm) has been attracting both
local central government leaders, leaders of civil society organizations,
opinion leaders and local citizens hence creating an environment for local
population groups especially the marginalized rural population groups of women
and youth to engage their leaders and hence participate in governance.
In addition to the radio
talkshows, ToroDev has also been empowering marginalized rural communities to
participate in governance using both traditional and modern ICT tools.
ToroDev primary project
participants of rural youth and women called the rural monitors who were identified
and trained in online advocacy using online social media tools like Ushahidi,
twitter, emailing, facebook and skills in converging information onto FM radio
stations were the cornerstone in the sustainability of the ‘Orukurato’ live
radio talkshow since they have been highly involved in the live discussions and
participation through SMS, call-ins and research on the priority service
delivery needs in their local communities.
In addition to the ‘Orukurato’
ToroDev is also supporting the ‘Listeners Forum’ accountability radio talkshow
on Better FM. The live radio talkshow which also broadcasts issues of
governance attracts both local and central government leaders, leaders of civil
society organizations and opinion leaders among others. The live radio talkshow
is broadcasted every Sunday (08:00 – 10:00pm). We hope that the ‘Listenership
Forum’ will not be affected by the President Museveni directive.
ToroDev is currently
engaging local leaders to understand the importance of accountability and local
citizen’s participation in governance using FM radio stations and other traditional
and modern ICT tools to improve grassroot communities’ livelihoods.
More on the suspension of
the radio talkshow, follow this link http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/UCC-suspends-two-radio-talk-shows/-/688334/1659788/-/kkpm7xz/-/index.html
