Role of media in monitoring service delivery and demanding accountability from the local leaders.

The Member of Parliament of Burahya Sub County Kabarole District, Hon Steven Kagwera and Mrs. Silvia Rwabwogo, a journalist and LCV Councilor of East Division, Kabarole District appeared on HITS FM on 7^th September 2013 with Mr. Rwaheru Gilbert, a local citizen to discuss the role of media in monitoring service delivery and demanding public accountability from the local leaders. 

“The government has four arms. Executive, parliament, judiciary and media. The media acts as a voice of the local people and raises people’s issues to the government. The media also provides information to the local people concerning the government programs through the use of radios, newspapers, internet, among others”, said Mrs. Silvia Rwabwogo, a journalist and LCV Councilor of East Division, Kabarole District.

During the program, Mr. Steven Kagwera indicated the use of an informed society. “Information brings power and power is wealth. People need to be informed so that they understand government programs”.

Members of Rwenzori Journalist Forum during a mentorship training with ToroDev

Hon Kagwera went ahead to question journalists who spread wrong information that misleads people. “Some journalists spread wrong information that misleads people. Radios are very sensitive tools that can cause havoc in the community if used badly. Journalists should not side line with any political side or be corrupt but speak objectives where they lie. The roles of the government and journalists are complementary for proper service delivery. If there is no media, the government may perform badly without check or balance. An example is the corrupt and dormant leaders who improve after being exposed by the media”.

Mr. Rwaheru Gilbert a local citizen and Chairman of Kicwamba Forum for Development and Service Delivery thanked ToroDev for bringing information close to the local people through sponsoring programs like the Listeners’ Forum. “I thank ToroDev for sponsoring this program which has helped our local people to be informed through sharing issues of service delivery and accountability by the local leaders and citizens”.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Silvia Rwabwogo, a journalist and LCV Councilor of East Division, Kabarole District listed some of the different challenges that are faced by journalists. “Most radio stations are commercialized forcing journalists to perform some programs that are not innovative to the community like programs of witch doctors which most listeners oppose. Also, other journalists work in hazardous places which are affected by earth quakes and wars yet their lives are not insured”.

The live Orukurato Program which broadcasts issues of accountability was moderated by Mr. Kasigazi Willy Donanto and is supported by Toro Development Network (ToroDev).