“The role of the police is to keep law and order but not torturing local citizens”, Mukwano Ssenyonjo.

On 11^th May 2014, local citizens appeared on Better FM to show their outcry over the poor service delivery in the security sector of Mugusu Sub County. “The police in Mugusu Sub County are brutalizing local citizens and this is done by some individuals who were appointed by the Officer in Charge as crime preventers. These individuals are not on the pay role, and so use society to fulfill their interests. They are also given guns to move with at night, yet they are not trained police men, and do not wear police uniforms”, said Mukwano Ssenyonjo, the Chairperson of People’s Rights and Forum for Development in Mugusu Sub County, Kabarole District. “The police in Mugusu Sub County are so corrupt and using government sectors to make business”, said  Latiff the coordinator of People’s Rights and Forum for Development in Mugusu Sub County, Kabarole District.

Members of People's Rights and Forum for Development(PRIFOD)

The panelists were discussing on ToroDev supported live radio discussion called ‘Orukurato Program’ that discusses issues of accountability every Saturday (8:00 – 10:00pm).

Other panelists who participated in the live radio discussion included Mr. Tibenda Steven, the secretary of People’s Rights and Forum for Development, Mr. Rwakatale Deus, a local citizen of Mugusu Sub County, and Mr. Tibeha JohnBosco, the general secretary of Bufunjo People’s Forum in Bufunjo Sub County, Kyenjojo District.

During the discussion, Mr. Tibenda highlighted some of the activities that are carried out by People’s Rights and Forum for Development. “PRIFOD carries out activities like fighting for people’s rights, monitoring service delivery and raising voices of the voiceless local citizens. As members of this advocacy forum, we are following up the issue of the poor services from the security sector that is torturing local citizens and we are also appealing to the concerned leaders and civil organizations to intervene and save the situation”.

Mr. Rwakatale also participated in the live radio discussion by showing his outcry over the torture that he experienced from the brutal police officers. “I was brutally beaten by the police officers without committing any offence. When I reported the matter to the Officer in Charge, he just ignored me. I went ahead to report the matter to the district officers but they were also bribed and the suspects were released. I therefore plead to any other concerned leaders or citizens to intervene my situation so that justice is realized”.

Mean while, Mr. Tibeha JohnBosco also participated in the live radio discussion by inviting local citizens of Bufunjo Sub County to attend the accountability meeting that was organized by Bufunjo People’s Forum. “We have organized an accountability meeting on 21^st May 2014 in Bufunjo Sub County and invited national, district, Sub County and parish leaders to come and give accountability to the local citizens. I therefore invite all local citizens of Bufunjo Sub County to attend in person so that you can raise your issues, concerns and demands”.

The live radio discussion was moderated by Mr. Joshua Rwamuhumbu and is supported by NED, SIDA/CIPESA on a project aimed at using radio and social media to improve service delivery and accountability in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda.