“Youths should not be used by leaders who want to gain their own mutual benefits”, Kasweta John

On 22^nd June 2014, Mr. Amanyira John Kasweta, the Chairperson of Committed Citizens for Better Services in Hakibale Sub County, Kabarole District appealed to the youths to avoid being manipulated by local leaders. “Youths should avoid being used by leaders who want to gain their own mutual benefits. We have seen many aspiring leaders buying votes for the youths during campaigns. Such leaders become incompetent when they enter offices, and also lead to poor service delivery”. Mr. Kasweta was discussing on ToroDev’s supported radio discussion called ‘Listeners’ Forum’ that discusses issues of accountability every Sunday (08:00 – 10:00) pm on Better FM.

 

Ronald Kibuule, Uganda's  state minister for youths

The live radio discussion was also attended by Hon Basiima Hidden, the LC V Chairperson for the youths in Kabarole District and Mr. Charles Ndabitunga, the Chairperson of Kiguma Forum for Rights and Development in Kiguma Parish, Bukuuku Sub County, Kabarole District.

During the program, Hon Basiima gave a brief back ground of the Youths Livelihood Program. “The Youths livelihood program was introduced to solve the issues of the Youths Venture Capital Fund, which had been introduced to get youths out of poverty and also realize development. During the National Youths Conference that was held in July 2013 in Jinja District, we as youths leaders proposed to get a new program since the Youths Venture Capital Fund had a lot of issues. We therefore introduced the Youths Livelihood Program that was later on passed by parliament and launched in February 2014”.

Hon Basiima went ahead to discuss how the Youths Livelihood Program will work. “The Youths Livelihood Program will only support youths who are in well organized groups. Some of these groups have already received funds on their accounts, but as leaders, we shall not allow them to access these funds until we finish training them. We are training seven members from each group in areas of procurement, management and social accountability so that they can know how to manage the funds appropriately, without misusing them”.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ndabitunga appealed to the different youths groups not to rely on government funds. “Youths groups should not rely on government funds, but also try other means of support like writing proposals or approach different ministries and NGOs. Youths should also avoid looking at smart jobs because of the papers that they hold, but should try to be innovative”.

Local listeners also participated in the live radio discussion through call ins to raise their issues and concerns. “How many Youths Groups are supposed to be funded per Sub County?” asked Byamukama from Kabende Parish in Hakibaale Sub County Kabarole District, “Youths should be job creators, and not rely on white color jobs”, said Lucy from Kasenda Sub County in Kabarole District, “Our leaders in Kicwamba Sub County are not giving us accountability”, said Mama Matu, “Leaders have not come to sensitize the community”, said Moses from Hakibaale Sub County, “Market prices are poor, how do you expect us to refund back the funds?” asked Nyakoojo from Kyegegwa District.

The live radio discussion was moderated by Mr. Mukonyezi Wilfred 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.

“NAADS aimed at agro business and commercialization of agriculture”, Goan Yakub

On 21^st June 2014, Mr. Goan Yakub, a local citizen from the National Resistance Movement Party in Kabarole District indicated how the NAADS (National Agriculture Advisory Services) program was aimed at agro business and commercialization of agriculture. “The NAADS program aimed at agro business and commercialization of agriculture. The program was also after uplifting the local citizens from poverty through improved agriculture by sensitizing them and providing them with equipment. However, it is very unfortunate that 80% of the funds were spent on salaries and holding meetings in expensive hotels by the technocrats”. Mr. Goan was discussing on ToroDev’s supported ‘Orukurato Program’, a 2hr weekly radio program that discusses issues of accountability every Saturday (08:00 – 10:00) pm on HITS FM. 

Ugandan farmers

During the discussion, Mr. Goan further showed his support to the President’s proposal of using the army to implement the NAADS program. “Article 208, close 2 of the Uganda National Constitution reads that the UPDF (Uganda People’s Defense Forces) shall be non partisan, national in character, patriotic, professional, disciplined, productive and subordinate to the civilian authority as established under the constitution. This shows that the constitution allows the army to participate in the country’s production”.

The live radio discussion was also attended by Mr. Mitsera Kasukali, the Executive Director of CABS (Community Agro Business Capacity Services) in Kabarole District and Mr. John Byabazaire, a local citizen of Kabarole District.

Mr. Mitsera participated in the live radio discussion by highlighting how the NAADS program has a lot of mistakes that need to be corrected. “NAADS came as an extension arm for PMA (Plan for Modernization of Agriculture). PMA was structured into seven pillars where NAADS carried some of the content like research, rural financial services, market processing, natural resource development, supporting physical infrastructure, among others. However, NAADS remained a strong pillar even after the collapse of PMA. Therefore, the structure of NAADS should be reviewed so as to correct all the mistakes that are affecting its performance”.

Meanwhile, Mr. Byabazaire indicated how NAADS was not a good program for developing Ugandans. “NAADS is not a good program for developing countries like Uganda. It is a liberalization policy and needs to be reviewed. Ugandans should not be taken as beggars by the government through giving them free equipment, under the NAADS program. There should be ways of creating motivation among farmers like improving markets, value addition, creating bank loans, industries for processing, among others.

Local listeners also participated in the live radio discussion through call ins to raise their issues and concerns. “If generals do not perform well, to whom will they be accountable?” asked Aguma, “There is a lot of sectarianism in Uganda”, said Afande, “Technocrats have been segregating when delivering NAADS services”, said a caller from Kyegegwa District, “The NAADS program has been helping the rich only”, said Francis from Kijura Town Council in Kabarole District, “UPDF should take over NAADS because it will reduce on the funds that are wasted on extension workers”, said Kalenzi from Mbarara District.

The live radio discussion was moderated by Mr. Kasigazi Willy Donanto and is supported by SIDA/CIPESA and SPIDER/Stockholm University on a project aimed at using appropriate ICT tools to promote democratic engagement in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda.

“Ugandans will be contributing 82% towards the 2014 – 2015 National Budget”, Johnstone Baguma

On 14^th June 2014, Mr. Johnstone Baguma, the Executive Director of Toro Development Network indicated how Ugandans will be contributing the highest percentage towards the 2014 – 2015 national budget. “Local citizens will be contributing 82% of the national budget and 18% will be contributed by foreign donors.  This will help Uganda as a country to be self dependant rather than depending on foreign donations”. Mr. Johnstone was discussing on ToroDev’s supported ‘Orukurato Program’, a 2hr weekly radio program that discusses issues of accountability every Saturday (08:00 – 10:00) pm on HITS FM. 

Finance Minister Maria Kiwanuka carries the National Budget

During the discussion, Mr. Johnstone also indicated his criticisms over the 2014 – 2015 national budget. “It’s a pity that the government is widening the tax base through hiking essential commodities, agro business inputs, among others. URA (Uganda Revenue Authority) would be using other means to increase the country’s income than through hiking taxes on local citizens. There are many people who are eligible to pay taxes, but they don’t and the burden is then turned to the common man”.

The live radio discussion was also attended by Mr. Mitsera Kasukali, the Executive Director of CABS (Community Agro Business Capacity Services) in Fort Portal Municipality, Kabarole District.

Mr. Kasukali participated in the live radio discussion by appealing to the local leaders to have value for the tax payers’ money. “There should be value for the tax payers’ money so that development is realized through improved infrastructure and social services. Implementers should not use the big budget to satisfy their own mutual benefits, but try to fight challenges of corruption and unemployment that are hindering development in this country”.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kasukali appealed to the local leaders to improve the education and health sector. “Staff in the health sector lacks motivation and that’s why we see many of them stealing drugs and time to their private clinics. Even the funds that have been added to the education sector are still too little. Local leaders should get an affirmative action on teachers to be exempted from paying taxes like PAYE (Pay As You Earn) so that they can also enjoy and feel their budget increment”.

Local listeners also participated in the live radio discussion through call ins and using the programs face book page called ‘Orukurato’ to raise their issues and concerns. “The budget has already been passed, therefore, talking on radio will not help us”, said Mugume Robert from Kabarole District, “The government has made a big mistake of increasing funding in the education and works sectors, and leaving out the health sector”, said a caller from Kakabara Sub County in Kyegegwa District, “Corruption should be fought”, said a caller from Kabarole District, “The 2014 – 2015 budget is not good because hiking of consumer goods has been imposed on local citizens”, said Bright, “How many people have been planned for in this budget yet no census has been done?” asked Edward.

The live radio discussion was moderated by Mr. Kasigazi Willy Donanto and is supported by SIDA/CIPESA and SPIDER/Stockholm University on a project aimed at using appropriate ICT tools to promote democratic engagement in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda.

Discussing the 2014 – 2015 Ugandan Budget

On 15^th June 2014, panelists appeared on Better FM to discuss the 2014 – 2015 Ugandan Budget. “A budget is a financial document used to project future incomes and expenses of a country. A budget shows the physical policy or program for taxation and expenditure of a given country. If a budget is not good, it will affect the country’s local citizens since they are the ones on whom taxes are imposed”, said Mr. Kadiir Rwamabaale, a lecturer at Mountains of the Moon University in Fort Portal Municipality, Kabarole District. The panelist was discussing on ToroDev’s supported radio discussion called ‘Listeners’ Forum’ that discusses issues of accountability every Sunday (08:00 – 10:00) pm.

Maria Kiwanuka, Uganda's Finance Minister

During the program, Mr. Kadiir indicated the characteristics of a good budget. “A good budget must reflect the needs assessment of the nation, physical discipline, should be bottom up and promote livelihoods, should be of economic benefit, allocation of resources should be in line with government policy, should support stability and growth, should reflect resource mobilization, increase capital inflow and foreign trade balance, among others”.

The live radio discussion was also attended by Mr. Mitsera Kasukali, the Executive Director of CABS (Community Agro Business Capacity Services), who discussed about the Vision 2040. “We have a big plan of Vision 2040 and this is the second year of its implementation. Vision 2040 reflects the goals to be perceived like 75% of the population having power, 80% of the population accessing good water, 80% of the roads to be tamarked, increasing life expectancy to 85 years, among others by the year 2040”.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kasukali also indicated the advantages of increasing taxation in a country. “High taxation in a country is good because it widens the government’s income. This means that a country becomes independent and free from relying on foreign donation. Increasing taxes on local citizens also helps to open up their eyes since they become eager to know what the government is using the money for which increases the demand for public accountability. However, local leaders should make their over sight role to see that money is used for social development rather than being wasted in making delegations and retreats”.

Local listeners also participated in the live radio discussion through call ins and using the SMS platform to raise their issues and concerns. “This budget is going to make the local citizens suffer”, said John Boomera from Bugaaki Sub County in Kyenjojo District, “The budget will not help local citizens because even the grass root people are not capable to pay the taxes because of the high poverty rates”, said Mugisa Moses from Hakibaale Sub County in Kabarole District, “The high collected taxes will be wasted in the lavish lives of the government cadres”, said Yasin from Ntoroko District, “We should stop mixing political issues with issues affecting the nation”, said Lucy from Kasese District, “Essential commodities should not be taxed”, said Nyanja Etagira.

The live radio discussion was moderated by Mr. Mukonyezi Wilfred 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.

ICT4Democracy Partners Participate in CeDEM14 (2014 International Conference on e-Democracy & Open Governance) in Krems, Austria

During the CeDEM14 held at Danube University Krems, Austria from May 21^st – 23^rd, 2014, Johnstone Baguma (ToroDev) and Wilfred Warioba’s (CHRAGG) participated and presented project researched papers on e-participation for good governance and promotion of human rights in Uganda, Tanzania (Eastern Africa), respectively. More so, Johnstone Baguma chaired a session on “Citizens’ Participation in Governance Processes through ICT in Eastern Africa”. This is a presentation track that was lobbied for the ICT4Democracy Network for East Africa by some partners from the network who participated in the CeDEM13. The track was eventually included in the CeDEM14 and three projects from the network presented papers and were also published in the annual edition of the CeDEM14 proceedings.

Some of the CeDEMI4 participants

Mr. Warioba’s project paper covered a conceptual and technical description of how mobile technology is used to promote human rights advocacy and protection in Tanzania, through the work of the Commission for Human Rights & Good Governance (CHRAGG). Specifically, through the support of the Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions (SPIDER), CHRAGG developed a mobile system to ease the reporting of human rights abuses and feedback on cases reported in Tanzania by use of Mobile SMS. The system has enabled the reporting of human rights cases more than double in Tanzania. But also, Tanzanians are able to understand their rights and when to report if encountered with any abuse. The paper shows cases of the potential of ICT in promoting social and human dignity, but also encouraging accountability as far as human rights protection is concerned in Tanzania and the entire Eastern Africa.

Johnstone Baguma makes his paper presentation 

On the other hand, Johnstone Baguma’s paper presentation described the relevance of ICT convergence approach in Uganda and drew on other relevant and related experiences in Eastern Africa region. In particular, the paper looks at the combination of ICT tools use and how it has empowered rural communities in Western & Northern Uganda through the SPIDER supported projects implemented by ToroDev and WOUGNET, respectively. The citizens can now mobilize themselves by use of ICT tools to meet together offline and intuitively deliberate on key issues pertaining improvement of essential service delivery in their districts or localities – which was not the case before the projects implementation. The ICT tools have also raised the sense of responsiveness amongst leaders to adhere to the needs of the electorate/local citizens. The assertiveness, engagement and public policy awareness among local citizens and how it affects service delivery has also increased in western and Northern Uganda. Moreover, their paper describes a steady improvement in the ICT infrastructure in the Eastern African region and how it has contributed to ICT uptake levels despite other socio-economic and political limiting factors. The use of broadcast, online social media and mobile technologies to engage government and the public in Kenya during the constitutional reform processes, selection of public officials and contributing to a relatively peaceful and fair electoral process in 2013, were also cases analyzed in Baguma’s paper presentation. The presentation also highlighted findings of the study report conducted by CIPESA on the ICT tools utilization for e-participation and democracy monitoring in Uganda. Conversely, his paper also analyzes the controversial policies and legislations in Uganda and other East African countries that appear to be taking away what the “other hand” of the policies give – therefore, causing confusion in understanding real commitment of governments to advance the ICT for development agenda in the region.

The International Conference on e-Democracy & Open Governance is a global forum that annually brings together ICT practitioners, researchers, academicians, public officials, donors and private investors to discuss new trends in using ICT tools to realize improved citizen participation in governance processes and use of open data/information for democratization. It presents an important opportunity to the ICT4Democracy Network for East Africa partner members to showcase their work on an international platform. ICT4Dem partners also learn experience and challenges elsewhere in the world on how ICT for Development tools and platforms are used to share data/information and knowledge for transparency/open governance and enabling democratic practices to thrive through citizen participation in the governance processes.

More information about the conference, please go to http://www.donau-uni.ac.at/cedem

For related analysis and publication of the above presentations, consider also this; http://digitalgovernment.wordpress.com/2014/05/21/democratic-engagement-through-ict-in-eastern-africa/

http://digitalgovernment.wordpress.com/2014/05/22/wilfred-warioba-and-abdallah-ally-mobile-enhanced-human-rights-reporting/

You may also listen to the Audio analysis of Johnstone Baguma and Wilfred Warioba’s presentations at CeDEM14 here; http://digitalgovernment.wordpress.com/ or http://we.tl/32l2sRSb59

For CeDEM14 pictures, please go to;
https://www.flickr.com/photos/e-governance/