Monday, 30 November 2015

ToroDev Celebrates 10 years of existence and hosted all the participants of the conference for dinner at Mountains of the moon Hotel

On 19th November, 2015 ToroDev hosted all the participants of the conference for a dinner to mark our 10 years of existence. The dinner was hosted at Mountains of the Moon Hotel, from 5pm- 11pm. All participants of the conference attended, political leaders, Civil servants, Academicians and well-wishers, the dinner was attended by over 100 people. The guest of honor was Hon Adolf Mwesige Apuuli, Member of Parliament Bunyangabu County & Minister of Local Government.

The Organization has, particularly for the last 5 years, promoted and improved information and knowledge sharing for citizens’ engagement with their leaders to demand public accountability for improved service delivery and poverty reduction. ToroDev has empowered local citizens in both offline and online advocacy to improve essential service delivery through democratic engagement with duty bearers, which directly affects their economic livelihoods. Radio journalists also have been trained in online advocacy and accountability broadcasting”. Said, Counsel Businge Victor ToroDev Board Secretary.
Counsel Victor added, ToroDev has supported the initiation of over 16 rural advocacy forums and facilitated over 20 accountability meetings between citizens and leaders in the region, many of which were held in 2015. ToroDev has deployed the “convergence approach, using ICTs to promote information access, use and democratic engagements for improved essential service delivery.

The Executive Director ToroDev Mr. Baguma Johnstone K. giving the welcoming remarks as guests listen attentively
I appreciate the good work ToroDev has done to improve Service delivery in Kabarole District, ToroDev has given us enough airtime on radio where district local government official have been hosted to give accountability and to address issues of poor service delivery, as LC V chairperson of Kabarole District, I have been hosted so many times to give accountability, and this airtime is free and as a district we could not afford to pay for airtime but ToroDev bridged the gap, that is why accountability has been given and we are seeing improved service delivery”. Said Hon Richard Rwabuhinga during dinner at Mountains of the moon hotel, Kabarole District.

Hon. Richard Rwabuhinga the district chairperson Kabarole giving his speech during the dinner
Hon Richard added, ToroDev has empowered local citizens with skills in ICTs, advocacy and networking, I can testify that one day I received a petition from  Mugusu forum and they challenged me when they called me and asked to meet me, I was able to meet them and they presented their petition  asking for water extension to  Magunga village, I was  challenged because the group was organized, they spoke to me calmly and I was able to lobby for the money to see that the gravity flow scheme is put in place,  this proves the kind of work ToroDev is doing with the advocacy forum.

“ToroDev is one of the organizations I respect and value so much, it has done great work to improve service delivery in the Rwenzori Region, it has provided employments to young people who can change the world, they have gone on ground to educate others on how to demand accountability in a peaceful way, how to hold us leaders accountable  without fear or favor, the local citizens are now sensitized, empowered , they know what they want from their leaders due to massive sensitization by ToroDev.  Thank you so much for the great work”. Said Hon Alex Ruhunda the MP Fort-Portal Municipality during the Dinner at Mountains of the Moon Hotel


Hon. Alex Ruhunda the Fort Portal Member of Parliament speaking during the ToroDev dinner
I treasure NGOs that have missions and visions, some NGOS are formed to attack the government but I respect ToroDev very much, it has been very useful and supporting our people and the government by providing leaders with platforms to give accountability for improved service delivery, ToroDev thank you so much for choosing Rwenzori Region to come and bridge a gap where the government could not reach especially in paying for airtime on  radio for the leaders to address people and give accountability , thank you for  giving social and  economic  skills  to the local citizens, supporting  the local citizens  in monitoring services and many other activities, thank you for the good work”. Said the guest of Honor, Hon Adolf Mwesige Minister for Local Government

Hon. Adolf Mwesige the State minister for Local Government giving his speech during the ToroDev dinner
Hon Adolf added NGOS have filled a big gap where the government could not reach, the NGO reach, NGOs have lobbied for improved services delivery, we have seen schools, hospitals, latrines, water sources  put in place by NGOS, as a minister I pledge to work with ToroDev  and in case you need me please let’s keep the good partnerships.

The dinner ended at 11pm and ToroDev was able to serve everyone with a cake.

The guest of honor is joined by other guests, BODs ToroDev, & staff in cutting the cake
For ToroDev to make 10 years in Service, it  has been possible with donor support from the Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions (SPIDER), CIPESA & SIDA, Development Research & Training (DRT), Development Initiatives, and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Indigo Trust-UK, partner local FM radio stations and citizens’ community forums.
 We thank every body for the support in these 10 years of service.


Tuesday, 24 November 2015

ToroDev holds the 2nd Annual Regional Reflection Conference for ToroDev Stakeholders

ToroDev held the 2nd Annual Regional Reflection Conference on Public Accountability for Improved Service Delivery in the Rwenzori Sub-Region, Western Uganda under the theme: The Current Electioneering Process: “What are the Key Concerns of Public Service Delivery to Influence Elections Outcomes in the Region?. The 2 days residential regional reflection conference was held on 19th- 20h November 2015 at St Joseph Inn- Virika, Fort Portal.

The 2 days Annual Regional Reflection Conference 2015 served as an event for ToroDev and all stakeholders to reflect on the plans, activities, and successes of 2015. It also availed a chance to evaluate the execution of the recommendations made in the 1st Annual Regional Reflection Conference of 2014”. Said, Johnstone Baguma, the Executive Director ToroDev during the conference.


Mr. Baguma Johnstone Kumaraki giving the over all objectives of the conference at St. Joseph's Inn Virika in Fort Portal
Johnstone added, the organization has, particularly for the last 5 years, promoted and improved information and knowledge sharing for citizens’ engagement with their leaders to demand public accountability for improved service delivery and poverty reduction. This has been possible with donor support from the Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions (SPIDER), CIPESA & SIDA, Development Research & Training (DRT), Development Initiatives, and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Indigo Trust-UK, partner local FM radio stations and citizens’ community forums. ToroDev has deployed the “convergence approach, using ICTs to promote information access use and democratic engagements for improved essential service delivery

ToroDev also through this conference tackled other key issues that affect the well being of the Organization. They included  and not limited to; social and economic sustainability of already initiated 16 citizens’ advocacy groups in the region, capacity building needs in management of the advocacy forums and advocacy, reporting and active monitoring of service delivery at the grass root level.

Particular attention was also on stakeholders’ reflection to the forthcoming general elections 2016 in Uganda, especially the type of leadership the sub-region desires to have after elections. Specific issues to task the new leadership to address was identified during the reflection conference. These were the issues that the 16 Advocacy Forums and all other stakeholders will focus on advocating for in the next 5 years. In addition, partnerships and networking will be strengthened between ToroDev and partners like local government, central government, civil society, journalists and local citizens.

The conference presented a sound ground for feedback and knowledge sharing with an aim of improving our work. On the first day after the Conference, ToroDev hosted all the participants for a dinner to mark our 10 years of existence. The dinner was hosted at Mountains of the Moon Hotel, from 5pm- 11pm. All participants of the conference attended

The conference limited itself to reflecting on the contributions of ToroDev and partners to promote public accountability & democratic engagement for improved service delivery to reduce extreme poverty. Eighty two (82) participants attended the 2 days’ conference.16 females’ and 16 Youth leaders of the 16 Citizens’ Advocacy Forums from seven districts of the Rwenzori region were the primary participants. Eighteen (18) Media practitioners under their umbrella network, the Rwenzori Journalists’ Forum (RJF), 15 local radio stations from the 7 districts of the Rwenzori Region, Civil Society leaders and staffs also attended (KRC, RICNET, RIDE-AFRICA, AHURIO, KANCA, Wougnet, CIPESA, Academicians), 7 District Information Officers, Civil servants (CAOs) & district planners, leaders of District-NGO Forums, both political and technical leaders were represented.


Participants listening to a presentation during the conference

Objectives of the Annual Regional Conference 2015

a)      Reflect on the plans, activities, successes and challenges of 2015
b)      To reflect and give updates on the recommendations raised by different stakeholders from the 1st  Annual Regional Reflection Conference

c)      To provide a platform for primary stakeholders to share success stories, identify challenges and give possible recommendations for improved use of appropriate ICT tools to improve accountability and service delivery monitoring and advocacy

d)     To brainstorm on project sustainability; both social and economic sustainability

e)      To enhance partnerships and networking between ToroDev and partners like local and central government, civil society, journalists and local citizens

f)       Make plans for 2016, especially intense lobby & advocacy during the general election period.

“Uganda is in the middle of campaigns, elections are just on the door and politics are dominating all the social medias, Ugandans are debating, arguing, many are engaging each other in politics discussions, Am proud of young  people who have taken interest  in being part of politics,  the future will be brighter when young ones join” Said, Rev. Fr. Dr.  Pascal Kabura of Uganda Martyrs University Fort Portal campus while giving the key note address on the Theme of the conference on 19th/ October 2015


Fr. Dr. Pascal Kabura of Uganda Martyrs University Fort Portal Campus giving his Key Note address during the conference 
Rev. Dr. Pascal added; Uganda is here to stay, we need to engage ourselves and build what is happening in Uganda, we should not surrender to the fate, we can still do something to change the politics of Uganda, because there is a lot of panic, fear and mistrust in the political arena, and human beings of today can’t make good decisions in politic but we need to get involved in elections, vote and get involved in all the processes of elections.

We appreciate the good work our partner ToroDev is doing in this region, we partner with different organisations in East Africa, and ToroDev is one of them, the work of ToroDev is seen through Advocacy Forums, Radio Talk shows and online social Medias”. Said Ashna Kalemera of CIPESA during the conference.  

Ashnah  Kalemera of CIPESA giving Key Note address during the conference

On the first day of the conference different presentations were made on different topics, for example findings of the 5 years assessment of ToroDev was presented by Mrs Florence Baguma, M&E consultants, another presentation was made by Dr Muhumuza from Mountains of the Moon University & CAARD consultant. The presentation was on the proposed ToroDev E- Participation Model / System & proposal for future scale –up in Uganda and beyond. There was a panel discussion on this topic, more  panel discussions were on  mainstreaming gender issues in public accountability & democratic engagement for improved service delivery presented by Gorett Amuriat- Wougnet-Kampala

Goretti  Amuriat of WOUGNET Discussing Gender  Mainstreaming issues in Public Accountability
The main objective of the assessment was to investigate and assess the impact of ICTs for improved service delivery of Torodev’s intervention for the past 5 years 2011-2015 in the Rwenzori region”. Said Mrs Florence Baguma, M&E consultants.


Ms Florence Baguma presenting the ToroDev 5 years assessment report during the conference
Another presentation was on the Role of Citizens’ Advocacy Forums in Promoting Public Accountability & Service Delivery monitoring in the Rwenzori sub-region. “ToroDev is grateful to the 16 advocacy forums for the great work they are doing in improving service delivery through monitoring government services, demanding accountability from their local and political leaders, defending local citizens rights among other activities.” Said Sheila Amanya the M&E ToroDev.

As a result of the work of advocacy forums we have seen water put in place for example in Mugusu & Katebwa sub counties in Kabarole district,  two class room blocks have been put in place in Bufunjo Seed school in Kyenjojo district, Roads improved in Kichwamba, Rwebisengo & Ntoroko District Munjeru village in Kyenjojo District, etc all have  been worked on, we have improved staff in health centers in Bufunjo, improved accountability and improved participation of women in budgetary process and meetings”. Said Tumwesigye Andrew the leader of Bufunjo Forum in Kyenjojo District, during the panel discussion on the performance of advocacy forums in the Region.





Mr. Tumwesigye Andrew, Ms Ahaisibwe Jane, Mr. Bamanyisa Patrick advocacy leaders & Shiela Amanya M & E officer in a panel discussion during the conference

As advocacy forums we face challenges like a challenge of threats from security agents and local leaders, lack of enough funds to monitor all the areas, lack of ICTs such as computers, recorders, cameras etc”. Said Jane Ahaisibwe the leader of the Butiti forum during the panel discussion on the challenges of the advocacy forums

Different recommendations were suggested one of them included to give the advocacy forums more skills in advocacy, networking and provide them with more skills in sustainability of the advocacy forums, also woman should be encouraged to participate in public meetings and radio talk shows.

This conference was made possible with donor support from the Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions (SPIDER), CIPESA & SIDA, Development Research & Training (DRT), Development Initiatives, and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Indigo Trust-UK partner, local FM radio stations and citizens’ community forums.



Monday, 23 November 2015

Citizens Efforts contributing to improved service delivery

Bufunjo people’s forum, an advocacy group situated in Bufunjo Sub County, Kyenjojo district has mobilized community members mostly from the parishes of Nyamanga & Kisangi to construct Kahumbo Bridge connecting the two parishes. After making requests from the district leadership of Kyenjojo in vain the Forum leaders together with community members thought of involving one of the aspirants for the Mwenge north Member of Parliament in Kyenjojo district whom they contacted and accepted to support them with 12 culverts to construct the bridge. Their intervention started in August 2015 and in September 2015 they had got the culverts and put on the Kahumbo Bridge.

Kahumbo Bridge in Bufunjo sub county, Kyenjojo district which was constructed by community members and now due to heavy rains in the area they can not cross to other villages

’We put the culverts on the bridge with the help of community members and people had started crossing to other parishes freely but due to the rains being much in the area, it has again affected peoples movements but once rain reduces or during dry season people will move freely without interference’’, said Tumwesigye Andrew the leader of the advocacy forum.

’ We thank the aspirant Mr. Akugizibwe Lawrence for the support in form of culverts, the people of Nyamanga & Kisangi parishes for the cooperation and ToroDev for the monthly facilitation and skills in monitoring service delivery, at least there is improvement where accessing other villages is not a big problem as it used to be’’, said Twineomujuni John, the Forum secretary.


We are grateful to our partners for the technical and financial support. 

Wednesday, 11 November 2015

Advocacy Forums fight for the rights of the local citizens

It has been one of our objective to see that local citizens have their rights respected by family members and the community, as PRIFODE we received a complaint from Atuhaire Charles a citizen from Rutete sub county in Kabarole district complaining   that his family members had denied him from sharing of sharing the properties his late father left behind.

Am among the five children born to Kateba Zadoki of Rusenyi village, Rurama parish in Rutete sub county Kabarole district. I have struggled with my brothers and sisters for seven years since our father died my siblings denied me to access any of my late father’s properties like land, businesses and home, I have lived in poverty, failed to get education, I went to courts of laws to seek justice but still I did not get any justice, but I never kept silent I contacted PRIFODE for help and am happy they helped”. Said Atuhaire


Members of the family of late Kateba Zadoki in Rurama, Rutete sub county

Charles added Am very happy I finally got help from PRIFODE in October 2015, the members of the forum solved the issues and now I own land and I can’t stop thanking the advocacy forum and ToroDev, what Court had failed to solve it has been solved by the forum am at peace, happy and thankful to the forum, keep the good work.



Family members, PRIFODE members, and some community members in a meeting at late Zadoki's residence in Ruteete
In November 2013 after receiving the complaint we wrote a letter to the family of the complaints, clan members and the local leaders but no one acted upon the matter. Then the leader of the forum visited them in Rutete and convened a meeting with the help of the area local council one (LC 1) in order to hear from the two sides”. Said Mukwono the leader of PRIFODE

Furthermore  Mukwono added in August 2014 a team from Peoples rights and forum for development travelled to Rutete, counseled the two sides and finally agreed as a family to allow Atuhaire share from his late father’s property other than continuing going to the courts of laws.
In October 2015 the forum members travelled back to Rutete where an official agreement was signed between the family members allocating a piece of land to Atuhaire Charles in the presence of clan leaders, community members, area local councils and forum members from Mugusu sub county in Kabarole district.” Said Tibenda Stephen the secretary of the Forum


PRIFODE member, local leader and the family of late Zadoki including Atuhaire standing in the land they shared with him
As people’s rights and forum for development, we thank ToroDev for empowering us as advocacy forums in Ruwenzori region with knowledge ,skills, radio programs, monthly facilitation, etc all the above have helped us work with the community by solving their problems hence living in harmony with each other’’ said Mr. Mukwano Ssenyonjo, the forum leader from Mugusu.

We are grateful to our partners for the technical and financial support.