Leaders of rural advocacy forums have appealed to
local citizens to initiate rural advocacy forums in their communities to
improve service delivery monitoring for improved livelihoods. The leaders were
discussing on ToroDev supported live radio discussion on Better FM called “The
Listeners Forum” on 25th August, 2013. The 2 hour weekly radio program
discusses issues of accountability every Sunday (08:00 – 10:00pm).
“Advocacy forums have helped us to monitor service
delivery because they have empowered local citizens with skills in monitoring
service delivery, lobbying and advocacy through the use of appropriate ICT
tools like SMS and radio.” Said Mukwano Ssenyonjo, the chairperson of People’s
rights and Forum for Development which operates in Mugusu Sub County – Kabarole
District.
Mukwano also appealed to local leaders to cooperate
with the rural advocacy forums to ensure effective service delivery monitoring,
“we appreciate some leaders like the district chairperson Kabarole district,
the MP Burahya County and the Chairperson LC III, Mugusu Sub County for
cooperating with us to monitor service delivery.” Said Mukwano.
Rural advocacy forums are groups initiated by rural
women and youth aimed at monitoring service delivery and improving the
participation of marginalised rural youth and women in governance. They were initiated
with support from ToroDev.
Participants at the radio discussion |
The leaders of the rural advocacy forums who were
discussing a topic titled, “The role of rural advocacy forums in monitoring
service delivery in the Rwenzori Region” also attracted the Chairperson of
Ntoroko Citizens Concern, in Ntoroko District – Mr. Amos Karuhanga, the
Secretary General of People’s Rights and Forum for Development Tibenda Stephen.
ToroDev staff, Solomon Akugizibwe also attended the radio discussion.
“We have seen a great improvement in working as a
group to monitor service delivery in Ntoroko District. Radio programs have
really assisted us to advocate for improved service delivery.” Said Amos
Karuhanga of Ntoroko Citizens Concern.
ToroDev staff, Solomon Akugizibwe encouraged local
citizens to initiate rural advocacy forums so as to effectively engage their
local leaders to ensure improved service delivery monitoring.
The Listeners Forum Live radio discussion was
moderated by Mr. Mukonyezi Wilfred.