Citizens analyze governance in Uganda

Local citizens and local leaders have appealed to the government to ensure the rule of law and participatory governance so that improved service delivery can be realized. The discussions were held on Hits FM, Fort Portal on Saturday 6^th July, 2013.

“I thank the government for allowing free and fair election. However, I appeal to the government technocrats to follow and defend the constitution when implementing policies.” Said Mugisa Herbert the chairman LCIII South division in Fort Portal Municipality, Kabarole District.

Mugisa added, “Policies should be effectively made in the different fields through increased citizen participation so as to yield good results in the end.” The South Division Chairperson also appealed to leaders who want to become political leaders to first resign their civil service jobs to ensure transparency and fairness in implementing government policies in civil service. This follows discussions on the appointment of former Army Commander, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima as Internal Affairs Minister who the president says should be minister without resigning from the army which is against the constitution.

L-R: Rwaheru Gilbert and Mugisa Herbert

The ‘Orukurato’ talkshow which is supported by ToroDev in partnership with Hits FM and discusses issues of accountability also hosted Rwaheru Gilbert, the Chairman of Kicwamba Forum for Development and Service Delivery which is a rural advocacy forum whose initiation was supported by ToroDev. The forum operates in Kicwamba Sub County, Kabarole District and aims at ensuring accountability for improved service delivery.

During the discussions on governance in the two hour programme, Rwaheru appealed for strong punishments for corrupt officials to deter people from swindling public resources “Corruption issues should be handled well. If a person is found guilty, he or she should pay back all the funds that person embezzled from the government instead of being sentenced to jail and the embezzled funds not returned.” Said Rwaheru Gilbert.

During the discussions, local citizens were also able to participate through call-ins and SMS, “Sectors like the judiciary, health, education, security, roads, among others should be well developed so that they can stand on their own without relying on the donor funds for people to realise better service delivery.” Said Kisembo Richard from Rugombe Town Council in Bugaaki Sub County, Kyenjojo District.

“I do very much appreciate the LCIII for coming on radio to give us that useful information and all we need to know is that the government has tried to follow the constitution and the freedom of democracy has been emphasized and I do appreciate the government of Uganda for that.”  Said James Baguma, a caller from Busoro Sub County.

“More research should be done before any issue related to the government is aired out on radio, so that the Government doesn’t fight the talk shows, facts should be got from different sources and   people should be given true and clear information.” Said Balinda Joseph caller from Fort Portal.

“I strongly agree that the constitution of Uganda should be changed into all local languages so that everyone can understand it”   Said Namanaya James a caller from Fort-Portal