Evaluation of radio accountability programs and how they have helped in improved service delivery

On 26^th April 2014, panelists appeared on HITS FM to assess the impact of radio talk shows/programs on public accountability and how they have led to improved service delivery. “I thank ToroDev for mobilizing radio journalists and training them in skills of better public accountability broadcasting. ToroDev has also done a great work of mobilizing the citizenry in demanding for accountability and better service delivery from local leaders and also participating in governance.” said Mr. Bamanyisa Patrick, the leader of Rwenzori Journalist Forum. The panelist was discussing on ToroDev supported live radio discussion called ‘Orukurato Program’ that discusses issues of accountability every Saturday (8:00 – 10:00pm).

ToroDev's Racheal(right) with journalists of UBC Radio, Bundibugyo

Other panelists who participated in the live radio discussion included Hon Prosper Businge, the District LC V Councilor of West Division in Fort Portal Municipality Kabarole District, Mr. Solomon Akugizibwe, the Media and Communications Officer of ToroDev, and Miss Amanya Shilla, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of ToroDev.

During the program, Mr. Solomon gave a brief back ground of ToroDev. “ToroDev is a Non Government Organization that operates in the seven districts of the Rwenzori Region, and operates in three program areas which include governance, innovation and entrepreneurship, and research. Radio programs are part of our governance program area because they are meant to help the local citizenry participate in governance through monitoring their services, raising their service delivery issues and demanding for public accountability from their local leaders”.

Miss Shilla also participated in the live radio discussion by appealing to the trained rural monitors to lobby for better services through the use of ICT tools. “ToroDev trained rural monitors from the seven districts of the Rwenzori Region in using ICT tools like computers, internet, phones, skype, facebook and Ushahidi in monitoring service delivery. I appeal to all the trained rural monitors to use their skills effectively and also train fellow citizens so that better service delivery is realized”.

Meanwhile, Hon Prosper indicated the use of assessing radio programs. “Assessing of radio programs helps us to know the level of impact it has caused in service delivery, how the community has benefited from it, checking weaknesses and imbalances and also laying better strategies to overcome the challenges. Radio programs supported by ToroDev have filled the gaps that have been left by leaders by calling leaders on radio to give accountability and also allowing local citizens participation through call ins”.

Local citizens also participated in the live radio discussion through call ins to raise their issues and concerns. “I thank ToroDev for supporting the initiation of Advocacy Forums”, said Abigaba Francis from Kamwenge District, “We have benefited from radio programs because leaders have given us accountability”, said Byaruhanga Charles from Kyegegwa District, “We have used radio programs to report leaders who deliver poor services which has attracted intervention from other leaders”, said a caller from Kicwamba Sub County, “Most leaders are corrupt”, said Kahwa Steven, “Radio programs have helped us by hosting leaders who give accountability”, said Ian from East Division, Kabarole District.

The live radio discussion was moderated by Mr. Kasigazi Willy Donanto.