Rukungiri– The minister of security who doubles as the Rujumbura county Member of parliament Rtd.Maj.Gen Jim K Muhwezi has been hailed for organizing community Baraza meeting a Program left many residents excited.
Residents in the sub-counties of Nyakagyeme , Buhunga and Rwerere town council have embraced the program saying that the program enables them to participate in the development cycle through effective monitoring of the public service providers and demanding for public service accountability which enhances transparency in service delivery.
‘’Am very much excited at this initiative because it empowers us to demand accountability from the government workers, something that was previously difficult to achieve’’ Ms Jolly Kemiruka , Female councilor representing Nyakagyeme sub-county and Rwerere town council at the district level said.
Agaba Muhumuza , a resident of Rwerere town council says that through the program, he has been able to understand the criteria of benefiting from the parish development model (PDM) and other government programs.
‘’ In the past, I thought the program was only meant for the rich so from here am going for this money and benefit from gov’ts program because I also pay taxes like other Ugandans.’’ Mr Muhumuza said.
Vincent Kisembo, a resident of Buhunga Sub County says the initiative is so far a success since the ordinary person has an opportunity to monitor and demand accountability of the use of public resources.
‘’Am so excited because of this program the Barazas are very educative and informative. Through this initiative am now able to approach specific officials for specific concerns’’ Mr Kisembo said.
Charles Mugooha, a community stakeholder and a resident of Nyakagyeme sub- County says the program has helped in streamlining some of the irregularities such as supervision that had affected the development of the sub county.
‘’Lack of a forum where leaders and citizens came together had created an atmosphere where leaders were detached from the electorates because leaders hardly returned to their electorate after elections but this time we greatly shared with them’’ He said.
Speaking at the closure of the 5 day community baraza meetings at in Buhunga sub-county over the weekend, Minister Muhwezi said the Government is committed at ensuring that citizens have access to improved quality service delivery through the Community Baraza initiative.
‘’ During the community barazas, different stakeholders openly discuss and share relevant information as well develop corrective strategies to outstanding challenges affecting livelihoods. Minister Muhwezi said.
The minister added “through community barazas, poor infrastructure, limited or lack of electricity and water supply and poor health and education services are among the key issues that the community always raises. I can assure you that these issues are always critically examined and resolved by the responsible Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The government, therefore, welcomes your good and positive criticism,” Minister Muhwezi said.
‘’The government’s focus is to achieve steady-wide coverage of infrastructural projects across the entire nation therefore Barazas acts as a forum where members of the community converge to hold the government to account for the resources spent on public programs in their areas’’ He noted.
The minister is optimistic that the community baraza will yield numerous results in the areas where they have been conducted including bringing to light some of the gaps existing within the services sector which have since been mitigated by Government.
