ToroDev Holds Evaluation Talkshows on Hits Fm and Jubilee Radio 23rd & 24th April 2016 respectively

 As a way of evaluating the radio talkshows sponsored by ToroDev, ToroDev in partnership with Hits Fm and Jubilee Fm held evaluation live talkshows, for Orukurato on Hits Fm and Listeners Forum Jubilee fm. The evaluation critically examined radio programs/talkshows, this involved collecting and analyzing information from the listeners about a program’s activities, outcomes, challenges, solutions to the challenges and way forward. The purpose of the evaluation will help to make judgments about a program, to improve its effectiveness, and/or to inform programming decisions.

David Kugonza Documentation & Communications Officer and Shiela Amanya M&E, ToroDev during the Evaluation Talkshow

“The evaluation of talkshows enabled effective exchange of information between key stakeholders and  ToroDev team to determine plans, needs, challenges, changes and future plans that help in demonstrating the program’s successes or progress. The information that was collected during the talkshows will also allow the programming team to better communicate the program’s impact to others”.  Said Sheila Amanya M&E Officer ToroDev.

Shiela Amanya M & E Officer ToroDev making a comment during the evaluation talkshow

“The evaluation talkshow helped in identifying areas for improvement and ultimately help in realizing the goals more efficiently, as an organisation we are able to know what we need to improve on in order to serve our citizens efficiently''.Said David Kugonza, Documentation and Communications Officer,  ToroDev .

David Kugonza Documentation & Communications Officer ToroDev responding to questions during the evaluation talkshow

 The evaluation talkshows aimed at investigating whether the time, funds & efforts ToroDev invests in radio talkshows is worth it, collecting information from stakeholders on how to improve our radio programs, ascertaining whether ToroDev has achieved it's intended outcomes from the talkshows and also identifying challenges and way forward.

The two hours evaluation talkshows were given to callers to call in and send in SMS to share in their issues that can help us plan for the next four months as ToroDev holds radio talkshows for improved accountability and service delivery.

During the evaluation talkshows, over 60 people called in and 20 sent SMS on Hits Fm and about 65 people called in during Jubilee radio evaluation talkshow. On Hits Fm out of 60 people who called in 18 were women and on Jubilee radio out of 65 who called in 20 were women.  Listeners who called in were from the seven districts of the Rwenzori Region. 

“These talkshows have bridged a gap between local citizens and political leaders, this is a good platform to engage leaders in serious debates without fear or favour, because of the talkshows we no longer fear any leader of any level, when it comes to asking for accountability we don’t favour any of them”. Said Byaruhanga a caller from Mpara Sub County in Kyegegwa district during the evaluation talkshow on Hits Fm

“The radio talkshows have increased participation of duty bearers of all levels giving accountability for improved service delivery, we have heard MPS speak about services issues on radios,  Local council I, , LCIII, Technocrats  have been hosted and we have engaged them seriously in demanding for accountability and requesting them to keep lobbying for all sectors. Said, Annet a caller from Harukoto, Kabarole district during the radio talkshow on 105.6 Jubilee radio. 

 “There has been increased participation of us (local citizen) on these talkshows this has helped in informing leaders on the state of services in our respective communities, the radio talkshows have enabled grass root people who come live in the studios, call in or send SMS to share issues concerning service delivery”. Said Monica from Rwengaju, Kabarole district, during the radio talkshow on Hits Fm  

Rural debates have done great work in engaging women and their issues are captured, during the talkshow listeners requested ToroDev to hold more rural debates as the only way to bring more women on board. “More rural debates are needed to engage women who cannot personally attend the radio talkshows live, this is the only way women’ issues will be shared on radio, said Basemera  a caller from Kyarusozi in Kyenjojo district during the talkshow on Jubilee radio.

Listeners requested ToroDev to do more sensitization of women to encourage them to be part of the radio discussions. “More sensitization program encouraging women to participate in the talkshows should be held and since the rural debates are targeting women, more should be carried”. Said Mildred the district councilor Kyegegwa town council during the radio talkshow on 105.6 Jubilee radio. 

Listeners further requested ToroDev to host the elected leaders to come and discuss what they will do for the people who elected them. “We are interested in hearing what elected leaders are planning to do in terms of providing services; we   want leaders of all levels to be hosted for the debates as soon as possible”. Said Steven a caller from Kabundaire , Kabarole district.

 For the radio talkshows to be on, special thanks go to our donors, NED, SIDA, SPIDER, ICT4Dem, CIPESA for the financial support