ToroDev for the last 11 years has been engaging citizens to participate in governance issues in the Rwenzori region. This has been done through the use of different ICT tools like radio talkshows, online platforms and physical engagements like accountability meetings, rural radio debates. The radio discussion bring citizens closer to duty bearers to demand for accountability and advocate for better services.
Mr. Kasigazi William the weekly “Orukurato Talkshow” moderator on 18th August, 2018 engaged listeners through call- inns & Sms platforms. The topic of discussion was on the status of services delivery in their respective communities and how far duty bearers have fulfilled their pledges made during campaign..
The discussion attracted over 35 callers and 25 sent massages. The following were their comments;
“We have failed to benefit from women entrepreneurship funds and youth livelihood funds in our district. We request Sub county leaders to lobby for women and youths to make sure they benefit from the funds”. Said Salongo Mugisa a caller from Nyakigumba parish Bunyangabu district.
“Our members of parliament should work on developmental issues to transform communities such as education, roads and health sectors”, Said Rodgers Tuhairwe a caller from Bunyangabu district.
“I call upon Duty bearers to work on Nyankimba Bridge which has affected the economy of Kihura ”. Said Twikiriza Wilson a caller from Kihura Kyenjojo district.
“Our members of parliament for Kabarole district have failed to turn up during official planning meetings and they have failed to give accountability to people on ground. This has led to poor funds allocation”, Said Kiwalabye Chris a caller from fort portal municipality Kabarole district.
“LCV Kabarole district should explain to us about Mahoma small hydro power. They did not do what they promised to do”. Said Deo a caller from Kasenda sub county Kabarole district.
“In Rugaga Kakinga Rwimi Sub County our roads are in a sorry state and there is no water. We call up on duty bearers to respond to it and we request them to come on ground and give accountability at sub county levels”. Said Babra Katusime a caller from Rwimi sub county Bunyangabu district.
“Our Members of Parliament should lobby for the construction of Karuruma bridge that connects Kyenjojo and Kamwenge district”. Said Mugabe Robert a caller from Kyenjojo district.
“Kyaka south MPs should work on health sector issues such as limited drugs, late coming of health workers at Migamba health centre III”. Said Ategeka Wilson a caller from Rwentuha Kyegegwa district.
“We have impassable roads in Kibito sub county especially from Kyatwa-Kasunga to Kiibito sub county. We request duty bearers to work on it”. Said Nyonjo Bright a caller from Ntabago KIbito sub county Bunyangabu district.
“We request duty bearers to work on Bugaki electricity it is setting businesses backwards and yet it was their pledge during campaign “.Said Murungi Vincent a caller from Bugaki sub county Kyenjojo district.
“Our Members of Parliament promised to work on electricity from Kisomoro health centre to Bunaiga up to now they have not done anything”. Said Emmanuel Murungi a caller from Kisomoro Buyangabu district.
“Where do members of parliament from Kyegegwa district get issues they present in parliament since we have never seen them on ground consulting citizens? They have never held any meeting”. Said Salome a caller from Kyegegwa district.
Conclusively radio talskhows have played a vital role to bridge the gap between citizens and duty bearers.
