Under this program there are two projects funded by 02 different donors namely; National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and EU and Hivos to promote public accountability. Grass root structures (Community Process Facilitators and monitors) have been formed, trained and facilitated with means of transport (bicycles) to do effective monitoring of quality service delivery. They have further been provided with T-shirts for visibility purposes and stationery and cameras to conduct evidence based monitoring. The NED funded project is in the sub counties of Nyantungo, Kyarusozi, Katooke, Nyankwanzi, Bufunjo while the one funded by EU & Hivos is being piloted in Bugaki, Butiti and Kyenjojo town council Kyenjojo district Ruteete, Mugusu and Busoro sub counties in Kabarole district. The project emerged to address challenges that faced the grass root man and woman which include among others;
- Low civic participation in local government planning and accountability processes and hence low civic influence over public resource use.
- Limited transparency and accountability within the local government structures due to insufficient and untimely information on government plans to citizens.
- Absence of interaction, dialogue and information sharing between citizens and local governors.
Key activities implemented in the period January 2009 to Feb 2010 date for the project known as Enhancing Civic Competence to Influence Local Government Planning and Feed Back Processes in the Rwenzori Region.
1. 60 monitors and 06 Community Process Facilitators were identified and trained in the use of Poverty Resource Monitoring tools that are used to collect data from schools, health units and protected water points. The monitors have collected data and shared the findings with the concerned stakeholders and some actions have been taken to cause change.
2. 60 bicycles, stationery kits and T-shirts were distributed to monitors and CPFs from the 06 sub counties of operation. The monitors and CPFs were guided on the process of conducting the monitoring visits and work plan development. Monitors developed work plans that are guiding implementation of field activities.
3. Participated in the baseline survey exercise organized by the coordinating unit in April 2009 on the status of the facilities in the 03 sectors of education, health and water from the 06 sub counties of operation. The findings were shared with stakeholders on 18th November at Rwentuha primary school during the stakeholders’ meeting.
4. The trained drama groups have staged concerts in different sub counties to sensitize communities about their roles in civic participation in influencing decisions in health, education and water sectors.
5. Conducted radio programs with the participation of the different stakeholders. It should be noted that stakeholders in Kyenjojo district have not participated many times on our radio programs due to limited facilitation for guest speakers.
6. 18 suggestion boxes and 18 notice boards were procured and installed in Bugaki, Butiti, Kyenjojo town council, Mugusu, Ruteete and Busoro sub counties where each sub county got 03 suggestion boxes and 03 notice boards. Communities were sensitized on the usage of the facilities on radios and during community meetings. The suggestion boxes are being used by the communities to air out their issues.
7. Conducted a stake holders’ meeting at Rwentuha primary school on 18th November 2009 which was facilitated by the District Inspector of schools Kyenjojo Mr. Tinkasimire Peter and the Inspector of schools, Mwenge West Mr. Mugisa. The major purpose of the meeting was to review the education ordinance for Kyenjojo district and make recommendations to the district technical planning committee on 30th November 2009. After the event on the same day, a radio program was held on BETA radio in
8. I62 School management committee members in the target schools were trained on their roles and responsibility in the UPE program. The trainings were facilitated by the District Education Officers Kyenjojo and Kabarole respectively. Causes of poor performance among primary schools were identified sighting the causes being; absenteeism, parents failing to provide scholastic materials and lunch to their children while at school, a lot of domestic work that hinders children from doing home work, early pregnancies, children dropping out of school to work as house maids and working in tea estates and teachers walking long distances to schools caused by lack of staff quarters among others which compromises quality.
9. Sub county conferences were held in the sub counties of operation where issues affecting the 03 sectors of water, health and education were discussed and a follow up action plan drawn. Some actions have been implemented such as local council one chair persons revitalizing village meetings and community members encouraged to attend and discuss development issues or challenges affecting them. Councilors giving feedback to the communities in different forums including funerals once they have a plat form. Sub county chiefs and chair person LC IIIs to always get information concerning contracts from the district before allowing contractors to begin construction work in their sub counties.
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