“As a district council of Kabarole, we promised to always come on radio and give accountability”, Rwabuhinga Richard

On 25^th May 2014, the Chairperson LC V of Kabarole District Hon Rwabuhinga Richard indicated how the district council of Kabarole District promised to always give accountability periodically. “As a district council, we promised to always give accountability to our local citizens periodically. This is always done through radio programs, accountability meetings, and council meetings”. Hon Rwabuhinga was discussing on ToroDev’s sponsored accountability program called ‘Listeners’ Forum’, a live radio discussion that discusses issues of accountability every Sunday (8:00 – 10:00) pm on Better FM.

Hon Rwabuhinga Richard, LC V Kabarole District

During the discussion, Hon Rwabuhinga indicated some of the achievements that have been realized in Kabarole District during his term of office. “We have so far served three years of office as leaders of Kabarole district council and have realized some achievements such as, building the district head quarters at Kitumba Sub County, built 15 schools in different Sub Counties of the district, built 8 health center II’s in different Sub Counties, built maternity wards in Kidubuli, Kibiito, and other Sub Counties, among others. We have also been recognized as the best performers in the health and agricultural sectors in the country”.

The live radio discussion was also attended by Mr. Perez Mwebesa, the assistant Chief Administrative Officer of Kabarole District, who participated in the live radio discussion by discussing about the organized agricultural trade show. “Kabarole District Local Government in partnership with CABS(Community Agro Business Capacity Services) has organized an agricultural trade show. This trade show will help us to track the achievements in agriculture, help farmers to market their products, introduce and improve technology in agriculture,  improve value additions, enable financial institutions sensitize farmers, create a relationship between farmers and their customers and service providers, among others”.

Meanwhile, Hon. Rwabuhinga also reacted on some of the issues that were raised by the local citizens of Kabende Parish in Hakibaale Sub County. “Kabende Parish is a hard to reach area and it has been hard for the district to keep workers at Kabende health center III. However, the district allocated nine million to renovate the staff house, which was done. Therefore, local citizens should endeavor to work and coordinate with these health workers rather than being against them like criticizing them against using the health centers solar energy in their staff quarters”.

Local listeners also participated in the live radio discussion through call ins, using the SMS plat form and also the program’s face book page called the ‘Listeners’ Forum’ to raise their issues and concerns. “We need the Chairperson to give more light on the issue of the presidential pledge for the old people”, said David Akugizibwe, “Our roads were constructed poorly”, said Richard from Busoro Sub County, “Kyakihura zone in Hakibaale Sub County is in its poor state”, said Kusemererwa John, “We have only one bore hole at Mugusu Trading Center”, said Mukwano Ssenyonjo, “Our water is so poor”, said Bwambale Robert from Hakibaale Sub County, “Kisakyabairu bridge is in its poor state”, said Richard.

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.