“Leaders are supposed to raise voices of the voiceless”, Mukwano Ssenyonjo

On 5^th October 2014, the Chairperson of People’s Rights and Forum for Development in Mugusu Sub County, Kabarole District indicated how leaders are supposed to raise the voices of the voiceless Ugandans. “Leaders are supposed to raise voices of the voiceless local Ugandans, lobby better services and also monitor services delivered by the government”. The panelist was discussing on ToroDev’s live radio discussion called ‘Listener’s Forum’, a live radio discussion that discusses issues of accountability every Sunday (08:00-10:00) pm on Better FM.

Hon Mwesige Adolf, Minister for Local Governments

During the program, Mr. Mukwano appealed to the local citizens to be very kin in the next elections and bring back leaders who have not performed. “Uganda is going to hold her next election in 2016, however, local citizens should ask themselves whether these leaders have delivered anything in the health, education, roads and other sectors. Those leaders who have dormantly occupied our offices without delivering better services should be brought back and replaced with better ones”.

The live radio discussion was also attended by Hon Muntu K Willy, the councilor of Bweramule Sub County in Ntoroko District who indicated how most leaders have not performed according to their manifestoes. “Most leaders have not fulfilled their manifestoes in the last three years they have been in office. Such leaders have now come back and are trying to buy people’s minds with money because we are approaching another election period. I appeal to the local citizens to be very careful and vote people who are going to perform and deliver better services”.

Local listeners also participated in the live radio discussion through call ins to raise their issues and concerns. “Kabimbiro bridge is so poor”, said Ibanna from Ntoroko District, “Bugunda Road is impassable”, said Grace from East Division in Fort Portal Municipality, “Leaders have not come on ground to pick people’s issues and concerns”, said Rajab from Kyenjojo District, “Our Members of Parliament are so dormant both on ground and in the parliament”, said Kasweta from Hakibaale Sub County in Kabarole District, “The community should also mobilize herself and maintain some of the roads like community roads rather than leaving the whole work for the government”, said Musinguzi.

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.