Democratic Engagement through Radio as a Hub for Improving Service Delivery in the Rwenzori Region (October 2012 – September 2013)

Objective:

The objective of this project was to enhance democratic engagement in the Rwenzori region of Western Uganda by using radio as a central hub for communication between citizens and their leaders. The project aimed to improve service delivery by providing a platform for citizens to voice their concerns and hold local leaders accountable.

Overview:

Funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), USA, this project focused on utilizing radio—a widely accessible medium in rural Uganda—to bridge the communication gap between citizens and their leaders. By broadcasting citizen concerns and facilitating discussions with local authorities, the project sought to foster a more transparent and accountable governance process in the Rwenzori region.

Key Activities:

• Radio Programs: Developing and airing programs that allow citizens to share their concerns, report issues, and engage in dialogue with local leaders.
• Community Engagement: Organizing community meetings and forums to complement radio broadcasts and provide additional platforms for citizen-leader interaction.
• Capacity Building: Training radio hosts and community leaders on effective communication strategies to ensure constructive and impactful discussions.

Impact:

The project successfully increased citizen participation in governance and improved the responsiveness of local leaders to community needs. By using radio as a hub for democratic engagement, the project reached a broad audience, including those in remote areas, and created a sustained dialogue between citizens and their leaders. The initiative led to tangible improvements in service delivery and set a precedent for the use of media in promoting democratic governance.