ToroDev organized a CSO’s- District Local Government Co-ordination Meeting in Kyegegwa

ToroDev in collaboration with Kyegegwa NGOs &CBOs Forum held a follow up meeting on 22^nd  March 2016 at Kyegegwa  district headquarters in the quest to champion public accountability, transparency & improved service delivery under the Theme; ‘’Planning together, Accounting together’’, focusing among others on strengthening the District-CSO coordination committee that will gradually result in close collaboration for planning and budgeting, sharing of successes and challenges, enjoying shared & coordinated reporting and policy compliance on a regular basis.

The meeting that was attended by Kyegegwa district local government technical & political leaders, CSOs, representatives of NGOs/ CBO’s  aimed at assessing the impact of the last meeting  & developing a harmonized approach towards improving coordination & communication among CSOs and the local government by strengthening PPP and brainstorming on the challenges of fostering collaboration in the district as experienced by both parties.

Participants during the meeting

Mr. Musinguzi Daniel the acting district planner while sharing the district (local government) planning cycle said the district gets issues that they always use in budgeting from the consultative meetings that are always organized in communities but it was unfortunate that most community members do not know this planning period and many do not attend these consultative meetings making it difficult for the district to capture their issues. He urged CSO’s to always document their activities and to report quarterly.

Mr. Musinguzi Daniel the acting district planner giving a presentation during the meeting

 The Executive director ToroDev, Mr. Baguma Johnstone Kumaraki said that CSOs act as watch dogs in monitoring government programs & working together as a team will make us move to another level of development in the district. He urged participants to embrace such meetings for they bridge the communication gaps that exist in our work.  He said such meetings provide a platform for engagement, identifying issues of common interest & sharing useful information.

Mr. Baguma Johnstone Kumaraki the ED ToroDev sharing with participants during the meeting

The heads of departments got time to make presentations from their respective departments and there was a session of open discussion and drawing of action points. It was agreed upon participants that the District Community Development Officer (DCDO) should held the mapping of all NGO’s/CBO’s in the district to know who is doing what & where, developing a reporting template which will be used by all CSO’s in their reporting, the issue of meeting quarterly was further emphasized and the next meeting was scheduled for June 2016.

The Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (ACAO) Mr. Agaba Hillary while officially closing the meeting said CSO’s act as watch dogs in monitoring local government work. He acknowledged that when we stop working in isolation, we shall yield results out of our interventions. He encouraged CSO’s to meet quarterly in order to engage each other on what is happening from both parties and urged them to report regularly.

Mr. Agaba Hillary the ACAO Kyegegwa officially closing the meeting

We are grateful to our partners; NED, SIDA, SPIDER, ICT4DEM for the financial & technical support.

ToroDev M&E team holds consultative meetings with members of advocacy forums that want to partner with ToroDev in the districts of Kyenjojo, Kabarole, Kyegegwa and Ntoroko in a way to expand the work of Advocacy forums in other sub counties where they do not exist in the Rwenzori Region

Since 2011 ToroDev in partnership with the local citizens has been involved in encouraging the initiation of rural advocacy forums to improve on service delivery monitoring and accountability and the participation of marginalized population groups of rural youth and women participate in government planning and budgeting processes in the seven districts of the Rwenzori Region.  Since 2011 ToroDev has been working with 15 advocacy forums spread in the 7 districts of the Rwenzori Sub Region but in 2016 ToroDev is currently working with 12 forums since 3 were suspended due to lack of performance after being motivated  time and again.  

“The partnership we are looking for with the organized groups located in different sub counties is  to increase the number of  advocacy forums from 12 – 20 this year 2016,  this will expand the work of monitoring, advocacy and demanding accountability from leaders through organized groups.  ToroDev held meetings with groups that already exist to know what they do, vision and mission,  how they operate, the challenges they face ,  area they want to partner with ToroDev, way forward and future  plans of the groups” Said  Sheila Amanya   the M&E Officer ToroDev

As a way of  expanding the work of advocacy forums in other sub counties of Kyenjojo, Kabarole, Kyegegwa and Ntoroko , ToroDev  M&E team  held  field visit  on 16^th/ 3 / 2016 to meet the members of   Rwenzori Rural & Urban organization in Bukuku subcounty,    Rwenzori youth leaders forum in Buhesi Subcounty, Bukuku Forum for development in Kiguma parish,  Harugogo community forum  in  Harugogo sub county and  Governance  media initiative  in Kabarole district.

On 23^rd /3/2016 ToroDev M&E team visited the organized groups in Kyegegwa District and   3 groups were met to see how ToroDev can work with them.  After all the visits are carried out  in Kyenjojo and Ntoroko ToroDev will organize a general meeting to speak and train the new advocacy forums  that ToroDev will partner with for the next years. 

ToroDev M & E team meeting new Advocacy forums from their locations

''The groups that qualify and meet our expectations will be invited at ToroDev offices on 31^st / 3/2016 to give them skills and training in policy making, service delivery monitoring, lobbying and advocacy, roles of advocacy forums, criteria for partnering with ToroDev, etc. The meeting will also help the leaders to share their progress, challenges, way forward and the future plans.” Said Sheila Amanya M&E officer ToroDev.   

ToroDev Ms Amanya Shiela & Florence meeting new advocacy forum leaders

“The meeting ToroDev is organizing will empower new members/leaders of the new initiated rural advocacy forums with skills and knowledge in policy advocacy, service delivery monitoring and broadcasting for accountability.” Said Florence Githinji M&E consultant ToroDev 

"So far the 8 groups we have  met are in line with the objectives of ToroDev, they are very organized but lack skills in advocacy, they lack platforms to engage leaders in demanding accountability, they have limited skills in documentation, computer and advocacy, so ToroDev wants to partner with these forums to address some of these challenges faced by these groups”. Said David Kugonza, the Documentation and communication Officer, Torodev 

 We are thankful to our partners for the support given to ToroDev to increase the work of advocacy forums.

A woman can also be a Heir to her family

As we celebrated women’s day on 8^th March 2016 ToroDev dedicated the talkshows on all the 3 radio stations to women in the Rwenzori region to air out what they feel was the gap for them to access equality with men. For example on Jubilee radio during the Listeners’ program that is aired live every Sunday 8:00pm- 10:00pm, Callers participated live in the 2 hours program through call-ins & sms platforms;

‘’Empowering women socially, economically & politically would help women attain equal opportunities with men & in the long run development will be realized hence improved living standards in families’’, said Mr. Agaba a caller from Kicwamba in Kabarole district, ‘’As women we should not just celebrate by jubilating but have our leaders organize sensitization workshops on how women can fully participate in leadership of their country, by doing so we will be empowering women’’, said Mrs Ngasirwa Teddy a caller from Mukubo in Kabarole district, ‘’ when you empower a woman, you have empowered a nation, we should emphasize on educating the girl child to stay & complete school for a bright future of our nation’’, said  Dorothy a caller from Kamwenge district, ‘’ women can also be Heirs to their families and do better than men rather than how African culture conceives it’’, said Kansiime a caller from Kyenjojo district, ‘’ women should also develop the spirit of ‘we can’ then they will make it’’, said Princes Hadijah through an sms, ’’ I wish the money spent in organizing the national event could be channeled to our health centers to improve the level of service delivery in our health units’’, said Beatrice Kobusinge  from Kibaale district through an sms.

About 27 people (13 women) called in & 15 people participated through sms platforms during the 2 hours of the talkshow that was moderated by Mr. Mukonyezi Wilfred Abooki.

Mr. Mukonyezi Wilfred Abooki the Moderator of Listeners Forum program on Jubilee Radio

We are grateful to our sponsors & partners for the support.

ToroDev organized a District-CSO follow up meeting in Kyenjojo district

In the quest to strengthen collaboration of CSOs & district local governments, championing public accountability, transparency & improved service delivery, ToroDev in collaboration with Kyenjojo NGOs&CBOs Forum organized a follow up meeting on 7^th March 2016 at Kyenjojo district headquarters under the Theme; ‘’Planning together, Accounting together’’ focusing among others on strengthening the District-CSO coordination committee that will gradually result in close collaboration for planning and budgeting, sharing of mutual successes and challenges, enjoying shared & coordinated reporting, policy compliance on a regular basis.

The meeting that was attended by an average of 35 people who included Kyenjojo district local government technical & political leaders, CSOs, NGOs, CBOs & representatives aimed at assessing the impact of the last meeting on planning & sector undertakings, developing a harmonized approach towards improving coordination & communication among CSOs and the local government by strengthening PPP and brainstorming on the challenges of fostering collaboration in the district as experienced by both CSOs & the local government. The expected results among which included; increased understanding of the NGOs contribution to local governments & communities, identifying existing gaps & drawing out strategies to counter them, strengthened collaboration & networking among CSOs & the district especially the Community Based Services (CBS) department, suggesting actions on how best to plan & account together and strengthening the District-CSOs Forum/committee.

Mr. Karamagi Ronald the secretary production department who represented the district chairperson in his remarks during the opening of the meeting acknowledged the contributions of CSOs in the development work of the district. He said CSOs act as watch dogs in monitoring government programs & working together as a team will make us move to another level of development in the district.

Mr. Karamagi Ronald who represented the district chairperson speaking during the meeting

Speaking during the meeting, the Executive director ToroDev Mr. Baguma Johnstone Kumaraki urged participants to embrace such meetings for they are vital in bringing us close to work together as a team. He said such meetings provide a platform for engagement, identifying issues of common interest & sharing useful information. He pledged to work hand in hand with the district local government of Kyenjojo on behalf of ToroDev especially as the organization plans to provide tangible services in the Rwenzori region.

Mr. Baguma Johnstone Kumaraki the Executive director ToroDev giving his brief in the meeting

Speaking during the meeting, the District Education Officer (DEO) madam Gertrude Tibakanya acknowledged improved attendance of education meetings by NGOs & other partners which was not the case before the initiation of these meetings by ToroDev. She requested for CSOs to identify some new technologies to have better latrines and water sources in schools which is still a challenge in the district. She encouraged participants to continue working as a team for the development of our communities.

Participants listening to the speakers during the meeting

The district speaker Mr. Kasoro Silver Atwooki who chaired one of the sessions during the meeting asked CSOs & local government to work together for it is the only way we shall achieve our development program plan and urged participants to meet periodically to engage each other on what is happening from both parties.

It was agreed among participants that meetings of the kind do take place quarterly, present reports during the next meeting of the first week of June 2016, the District Education Officer to head the planning of sectoral meetings for different departments immediately to harmonize what has been discussed & integrate them in the monthly education meetings at the district, emerging of forum meetings in the District Management Committee (DMC), the district planner will develop & share a reporting template with a list of issues CSOs should report on in different sectors  so that they can be integrated in the district work plan.

We are grateful to our sponsors & partners SIDA, NED, SPIDER, ICT4DEM & WOUGNET for the financial & technical support.

Ugandans seem to be not yet acquainted with multiparty politics

Peace is vital & it is a foundation of our thoughts, peace begins with an individual in your particular family. A family that is peaceful prospers in all aspects of development. This was said by Mr. Mutabingwa Joseph the Advocacy officer of Rwenzori Forum for Peace & Justice (RFPJ) while appearing live on ToroDev supported Listeners forum program that is aired live every Sunday on Jubilee radio 8:00pm-10:00pm.

While discussing live in studios on a topic; ‘’Post election violence’’ with reference to Bundibugyo district where about 10 people were reported dead as a result of the recent concluded district chairperson elections in the area Mr. Mutabingwa said there is always a mixture of feelings especially after the election atmosphere and sometimes leaders who are expected to have the highest moral standards are involved in insighting violence.

‘’ We may have political differences but we need each other to effect development, there should be liberation of the mind & incase of a disagreement, let us sit together on a round table and resolve the conflict peacefully without blood shade’’, said Mr. Mutabingwa Joseph.

The two hours live radio discussion was also attended by Mr. Byakagaba Enock, a local citizen in Kabarole district who advised that one can not oppose without a reason, we should therefore always try to find out why is one opposing so as to forge away to resolve a conflict. Mr. Byakagaba urged citizens not to show bad examples to the growing populace because they are likely to emulate the same when they grow up.

Mr. Mukonyezi Wilfred Abooki , the moderator of 'Listeners forum' program on Jubilee radio 

About 20 people participated in the discussion by calling- in; ‘’Let us love each other, work together to develop our areas & know that the person elected will work for us all and not only for those who have elected him/her’’, said Margret a caller from Kijura in Kabarole district, ‘’Let us learn to accept defeat & work together for development’’, said Benon a caller from Kyegegwa district, ‘’ Ugandans need civic education because the majority seem to be not aware on how multiparty system work’’, said Ronald a caller from Kahunge in  Kamwenge district.

The program was moderated by Mr. Mukonyezi Wilfred. We are grateful to our funders & partners for the support.

ToroDev organized a candidates’ debate for the Fort Portal municipality & Kabarole district woman Members of Parliament aspirants

Election season is a time to be aware of the issues affecting your community and world; it is the time when we tend to be more focused on what kind of change we want to see for ourselves & others. It is when we take a long hard look at those who want us to trust them with the direction of our people and policies.

In line of the above, ToroDev in partnership with the governance cluster of Rwenzori region on 12^th February 2016 organized a political debate for candidates aspiring for the Fort Portal municipality member of parliament seat and the women member of parliament for Kabarole district seat at Kagote SDA hall in Fort Portal which was attended by over five hundred people (500). Five (5) candidates out of the seven (7) invited candidates attended the debate.

Citizens listening & ready to ask aspirants questions

The debate aimed at offering a balanced platform to all candidates to share their manifestos for the electorates to have a balance view & choice, promoting a culture of open debate & tolerance among candidates and also availing the citizens the opportunity to listen to their candidates so that they can have an informed opinion when it come to casting their votes, said Mr. Kugonza David, ToroDev’s  Documentation & Communications officer while giving an overview of the debate.

 ‘’Youth unemployment, orphans & vulnerable children are big challenges we are facing as a country & I want to advocate for the increase on youth livelihood fund from 300 million to at least 250 billions so that youth unemployment & women economic empowerment can be solved. As leaders we need to advocate for unity & accountability in order to fulfill our rights & obligations as citizens’’, said Ms Rwabwogo Slyvia the Kabarole district Woman Member of Parliament aspirant.

‘’our people are spending a lot on health because of lack of drugs in public health units due to corruption tendencies in the country. I want to lobby for an increment on the health sector budget so that we can get drugs in these public health units hence making our people healthy and productive. Also lobby for increased allocation of agriculture sector from 3.2% to at least 15%, lobby for tax exemptions on agriculture in puts coming in the country & lobby for the staffing of Buhinga regional referral hospital which has 18 doctors instead of 41 recommended doctors’’, said Dr. Richard Mugahi, the aspirant for the Fort Portal municipality Member of Parliament seat.

Participants listening attentively (above) & (below) Standing is Mr. Rwamuhumbu one of the aspirants sharing his manifesto with citizens

  ‘’As an incumbent member of parliament, I pledge to continue providing important services of electricity supply, water, roads, marketing farmers produce, vanishing the youth centre in Kabarole so that the youth can live organized by doing something& lobby for the establishment of agro-processing industries to add value to our produce’’, said Hon. Alex Ruhunda, Member of parliament representing Fort Portal Municipality.

Candidates were asked questions on issues of regional & national importance including; legislation, representation, appropriation, budgeting, lobbying, governance and economic challenges.

 Prof. Edward Rugumanyo the chairperson of Tooro elder’s forum while giving closing remarks during the debate urged citizens to think much & make their choice of leaders who will improve service delivery.

We are grateful to our partners & donors for the support as we strive to improve accountability & service delivery in our communities & country as a whole.