“The decentralization kind of governance has become costly”, Bwegendaho Dennis

On 19^th January 2014, Mr. Bwegendaho Dennis a local citizen of Bugaaki County in Kyenjojo District indicated how the decentralization policy of governance has done more harm than good. “The decentralization kind of governance has become so costly, we have over 400 (four hundred) members of parliament and more political and technical personals at the district level. This has promoted corruption because of the long office lineage”. This was during ToroDev’s supported live radio accountability program on Better FM called “The Listeners’ Forum” that discusses issues of accountability and service delivery.

The live radio discussion was also attended by Mr. Byaruhanga Alex, a local citizen of Ibanda District and Mr. Ahabyona Latiff, a member of People’s Rights and Forum for Development in Mugusu Sub County, Kabarole District.

Parliament of Uganda in session

Mr. Byaruhanga indicated how the local leaders had failed to implement the policies in the acts. “Basing on the Public Service Act, Act 75 indicates that money from consolidated funds, taxes and donations should improve service delivery. In the Uganda Constitution, Act 4 states that government should teach people the constitution so that they understand it. However, this has not been done”.

Meanwhile, panelists went ahead and discussed the status of service delivery in their different sub counties. “Kagongo hospital serves Kiruhura District and some parts of Kamwenge, but the road leading to the hospital is so poor”, said Byaruhanga. “Mugusu Health Center serves 3 sub counties; Karambi, Buhesi and Mugusu. But the health center does not open at night due to lack of staff and poor salary. Busanga-Kabagona bridge and Kijongo road are so poor”, said Latiff.

Local citizens also participated in the live radio discussion through the program’s f'ace book page called the 'Listeners Forum' and call ins to raise their issues and concerns."People should handle services well and not politicize them", said Akankwataho Micheal, "We don't have enough water, people line up whole day on the few bore holes", said John from Kitule Parish, "Leaders should stop taking politics as a business but as a way of addressing problems", said Mubarak.

The live radio discussion was moderated by Mr. Mukonyezi Wilfred.