On 16th February 2014, forum leaders appeared on
Better FM to assess the exchange visit to Women of Uganda Network(WOUGNET),
Transparency International (TI) and Northern Uganda Media Club (NUMEC)
supported projects in the districts of Apac, Lira, Oyam and Gulu that was aimed
at ensuring ToroDev staff and partners have a deep understanding and context of
how local citizens in Northern Uganda are engaging their leaders for improved
service delivery.
This was during the ‘Listeners Forum’ a 2hour weekly radio
program that discusses issues of accountability every Sunday (08:00-10:00pm)
that is sponsored by ToroDev. The live radio discussion was attended by Mr.
Amos Karuhanga the Chairperson of Ntoroko Citizens Concern Group in Ntoroko
District, Mr. Tibeha JohnBosco, the secretary of Bufunjo People’s Forum in
Bufunjo Sub County, Kyenjojo District and Mr. Mukwano Ssenyonjo, the
Chairperson of Peoples Rights and Forum for Development in Mugusu Sub County,
Kabarole District.
 |
| ToroDev team at Transparency International, Lira District |
During the program, Mr. Mukwano indicated how the local
leaders in Northern Uganda are devoted to serving their people. “We were able
to meet different local and political leaders at Sub County level. During my
interaction with these leaders, I realized that they are patriotic and not
corrupt when delivering services and that’s why Northern Uganda has better
infrastructures like schools, sub county administration blocks, roads, among
others”.
Mr. Amos also participated in the live radio discussion by
discussing how the local leaders in Northern Uganda work hand in hand with the
local citizens to realize better service delivery. “Local leaders include local
citizens in governance by delivering people’s priority needs and also picking
their issues and concerns. Amach Health Center IV had only 12 instead of 42 staffs
who were not enough to serve the big population. Local leaders combined efforts
with the local citizens and more staffs were recruited to the health center”.
Meanwhile, Mr. John Bosco indicated how leaders in Northern
Uganda plan for fewer projects that can be exhausted by the available funds so
that effective work is done. “Leaders in Northern Uganda use the allocated
funds on fewer projects so that standard work is realized on a particular
project, instead of planning for many projects and substandard work is done as
it is here in Western Uganda. This is the reason why Northern Uganda has better
infrasture like schools”.
Local listeners also participated in the Live radio
discussion through call ins to raise their issues and concerns. “As councilors,
we don’t have enough funds, the sub county has nine parishes which makes it hard
to deliver better services”, said Mwesige James, Councilor Bufunjo Sub county,
“The central government allocates little funds which has affected proper
service delivery”, said Mugisa Moses from Hakibaale Sub County, “How can a
local citizen demand for better services yet local leaders are nowhere to be
seen”, asked Noble Matahi from Bweramule Sub County in Ntoroko District.
The Live radio discussion was moderated by Mr. Mukonyezi
Wilfred.
No comments:
Post a Comment