Kyegegwa Boss Commends CSOs for Educating Locals

The Kyegegwa District chairman, Mr Norman Birungi, has applauded civil society organisations (CSOs) for raising voters’ awareness on development programmes through public education. “The voters of 2016 are far different in thinking than those we had in 2006 and 2011. They are more aware than before because of the public dialogues we hold with them through the CSOs,” Mr Birungi told Saturday Monitor on Monday.

“People now know what they want, they demand the right things, they know who should provide water or the road and at what level and where the money comes from,” he added

Mr Birungi said in the past, some politicians used to claim the government services that were being offered were sponsored by them. He said due to sensitisation by CSOs, local people now know the providers of development programmes in their areas and can hold their leaders accountable on service delivery.

He cited the programme on “converging ICT tools to promote public accountability for improved service delivery  and democratic engagement in Rwenzori region” for raising people’s awareness of their rights and entitlements as citizens.

The programme is implemented by Toro Development Network (ToroDev), which is supported by Swedish Development Cooperation Agency.

Ms Jane Ahaisibwe, a female councillor for Butiti Sub-county, said: “People can now ask their leaders openly. They know their rights and responsibilities through our public dialogues and radio programmes.”