“Radio programs have bridged the gap between leaders and local citizens”, Mukwano Ssenyonjo.

On 27^th April 2014, the Chairperson of People’s Rights and Forum for Development in Mugusu Sub County, Kabarole District indicated how radio programs had created a big impact in bridging the gap between leaders and the local citizens. “Radio programs have helped the local grass root people to demand for better services and also raise their issues to their local leaders. Rural radio debates have also given chance to women to participate in governance and also empowered them to approach their leaders for better services. Local leaders are now providing better services because of being monitored and fear of being exposed on radio”. The local citizen was discussing on ToroDev’s supported radio discussion on Better FM called the ‘Listeners Forum’ a 2hr radio program that discusses issues of accountability every Sunday (8:00-10:00pm).

Members of People's Rights and Forum for Development

The live radio discussion was also attended by Mr. Tibeeha John Bosco, the secretary of Bufunjo People’s Forum in Bufunjo Sub County, Kyenjojo District, and Mr. Namara Vincent, the Councilor of Kabende Parish in Hakibaale Sub County, Kabarole District. 

During the program, Mr. Tibeeha discussed how radio programs had caused a great impact in delivering better services to the people of Bufunjo Sub County. “We have realized great achievements in our service delivery due to the use of radio programs. Such achievements include the construction of Kahompo bridge, raising people’s demands and issues to the leaders for intervention, raising people’s priority needs to the concerned leaders, fighting corruption through exposing the corrupt leaders on radio, among others”.

Mr. Namara also participated in the live radio discussion by highlighting the benefits that the radio programs have brought to the local citizens of Kabende Parish. “Radio programs have sensitized the local people about the use of monitoring service delivery, putting checks and balance among the local leaders’ performances, helping leaders to know people’s issues and demands, sensitizing local people about government programs, among others”. 

Meanwhile, Mr. Tibeeha indicated the challenges that are still affecting proper service delivery in Bufunjo Sub County. “Some leaders are subjective and not objective, they work to fulfill their own mutual interest rather than representing people’s interests, most local people are not sensitized and they therefore fear to demand for better services from their local leaders, poor delivery of services, among others”.

Local listeners also participated in the live radio discussion through call ins to raise their issues and concerns. “Radio programs have strengthened people to demand for better services from their leaders”, said Kusemererwa from Kabende Parish, “We thank local citizens who have sacrificed to demand for better services from the leaders”, said Ndyahebwa from Kabende Parish, “Who is in charge of the NAADS program in our parish?”, asked Kasamaki from Kabende Parish, “Most leaders under look local citizens”, said Kato from Kabende Parish.

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