ToroDev appreciates SIDA for the financial support to conduct different activities. In Ntoroko District the District local government –CSO forum meeting was held on 26th / March 2019 and it was attended by forty Six (46)  participants including the Chief Administrative Officer, District Chairperson, District Residence Commissioner (RDC), Heads of Departments in Education, Health, Works,  Environment sectors, District planner, Community development officers, CSO’s representatives and the Media.

The meeting aimed at ensuring adequate collaboration and coordination between NGO’s/CBO’s and the district for proper planning and budgeting. Also during the meeting MML e-participation platform was promoted.

The discussions focused on achievements of the district for 2017-2018, understanding the roles of the district NGO committee, how they operate, highlights of the current NGO Act and challenges affecting CSOs in Ntoroko district etc.

“District Local Government-CSOs forum meeting is a platform where district officials and CSOs representatives convene to plan and budget together on priority service delivery issues as gathered through rural radio debates, radio talkshows, public accountability meetings and an online platform – MML e-participation system”. Said David Kugonza the Strategic partnership and communications officer ToroDev

Output:

• Forty six (46  ) participants attended including;
• MML e-participation system promoted and encouraged participants to use it
• NGO’s/CBOs planned together with district local government on how to address key issues raised through the system.
• Key service delivery issues discussed
• Action plan suggested

Key Comments from Participants

“I thank ToroDev for thinking about Ntoroko District and thank you for bring us here to plan together. As Ntoroko District we should work together to strengthen Ntoroko NGO’s forum. All CSOs should subscribe with the CSOs/NGO forum for proper coordination and monitoring”. Said honorable Kyamanywa Halibabu LCV Ntoroko district while giving opening remarks.

“CSOs should avoid duplication of activities; I call upon all NGO’s working within our district to plan and work together if we are to improve services in all sectors”. Said Mughuma Joan Chief Administrative Officer Ntoroko district.

“I thank ToroDev for organizing this meeting. This is a good opportunity to plan together as Local government and CSOs.  I request CSOs to continue partnering with us to address some of the challenges identified in the education, health and economic development”. Said Ahurra Amos the Leader of Ntoroko NGO forum

“I request CSOs in this district to come on Board and plan with the district. This is one way resources will not be duplicated.  All CSOs should register with Community Development Officer for proper monitoring and coordination”. Said Koburungi Evelyn  DCDO officer Ntoroko district

“Our mandate is to advice and provides adequate data and information to fulfill the requirements of local government and our development partners.  I request CSOS to submit their work plans and budgets. Their work plans will be incorporated in the district work plan”. Said Kanimi Kaganda district Planner Ntoroko district

“Am greatly honored for the organizers of this initiative, whatever we do should aim at improving services in our communities. Let’s work hand in hand with NGOs to address service delivery issues affecting Ntoroko District”.  Said Birwabalema Elijah RDC Ntoroko District while giving closing remarks.