Local leaders have called on the civil society to also give public accountability to enable better utilization of community resources for improved livelihoods. The call was made by the Executive Director of Toro Development Network (ToroDev) Mr. Baguma Johnstone and the Kabarole district Community Based Services Coordinator Mr. Taddeo Balisanga during the weekly accountability live radio discussion called Orukurato held on Saturday, 18th October 2014 at Hits FM.
“It’s the responsibility of every registered Civil society organization to give accountability to whoever needs it or asks for it, as Civil society organization it important to let people know, how money is spent, the services it was spent on, future the plans of the organization.” Said Johnstone Baguma.
Johnstone Baguma
Johnstone adds that every Civil society organization registered at any level (Village level, sub county level, country level and international level) works under the NGO Act 2006 where they are supposed to submit Annual Returns, Reports and Budgets for accountability.
During the discussion Mr Balisaga Taddeo indicated that CSOs accountability will also assist government in properly planning for service delivery to the local citizens by avoiding the duplication of resources.
Listeners participated through call-ins, SMS and posts on the orukurato facebook group during the live radio discussions. Mr Makune Wilson, a caller on the orukurato live radio discussion indicated that civil society organizations should continue advocating for improved service delivery in all sectors. Mukwano Ssenyojo, a caller from Mugusu said that asking for accountability from leaders is sometimes difficult because leaders most times shy away from it.
The live radio discussion was moderated by Mr. Kasingazi Williams and is supported by NED, SIDA/CIPESA on a project aimed at using radio and social media to improve service delivery and accountability in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda.