AMPLIFYING YOUTH VOICES FOR COMMUNITY CHANGE

“U-Report is one of the most innovative ways of engaging young people, it has helped in informing Government of the key issues affecting the youth and also provided solutions that can be undertaken to address them. This has made our work as Ministry a lot easier. As Ministry and as Government we are proud of the U-reporters’ work”, thus remarked Mondo Kyateka, the Commissioner for children and youth affairs.

Hon. Mondo mentioned this at a one day conference for U-reporters at Ndere Center in Ntinda, Kampala on 30.04.2012.

 Clad in purple T-shirts, and blue U-report Tags hanging gracefully along their necks, the smart, brilliant and excited U-reports gathered for the first U-report Conference ever.

The conference that was by organized by UNICEF brought together approximately 100 top U-reporters, Members of Parliament and other UNICEF partners like Scouts Association of Uganda, RIC-NET, GEM, BRAC, Church of Uganda and BOSCO among others.

The purpose of the Conference was to create a platform where the youth (Ureporters) can meet together with stakeholders from Government and the Diplomatic core to discuss issues that affect them.

Opening the Conference, Hon. Mondo noted that the Ministry of Gender has an asset based strategy that looks at young people as part of the solution to the development problems that they (young people) face. He said “this is because they (youth) know their problems better and can identify solutions to them..thus the routine question and answer exercise done by the  U-reporters has served to supplement this strategy”.

Mondo also challenged the youth to be pro-active and relevant people in society. Saying they should stand to do something that they will be remembered for. The enthusiastic Commissioner further told the youth that most people who have impacted on society have done so during their youthful days citing Jesus, Mohamed and Steve Jobs as examples. “If you have nothing to live for, find something to die for, be that U-reporter that will change society for the better”, Mondo roared.

Finally he thanked the U-reporters for their views and answers about the situation of the youth in the country saying their concerns provided guidance into the Youth policy that has been under review and due for launch on 12^th Aug.2012 (National Youth Day). 

Other dignitaries at the Conference were Honorable Members of Parliament; Hon. Kyakweri Lydia Woman Member of Parliament Kweni District, Hon. Rwabuhoro Flavia Woman Member of Parliament Kyegegwa District, Hon. Florence Mutyabula Woman Member of Parliament, Namutumba District, Hon. Acheng Ruth Woman Member of Parliament, Kole District, Hon. Kiwana Godfrey Subi, Member of Parliament, Mityana North, and Hon. Dorothy Woman Member of Parliament, Kamwenge District.

In their interaction with the Honorable Members of Parliament the U-reporters sought to understand several things from the MPs, key among others were; what the biggest challenge in fighting corruption is for the leaders, what steps they have done to address corruption and what motivation they would give the youth to do so. Secondly the youth also inquired of the MPs what they were doing to address youth issues in their constituencies.

Responding to the corruption questions raised, the honorables acknowledged that the biggest challenge in the fight against corruption is with the definition of corruption, exclaiming that most times it is either broadened or narrowed hence making it difficult to deal with. They noted that there is need to have the definition put out clear first if the fight against corruption must be effective.

The MPs also asserted that continuous sensitization of the masses on the ills of corruption is necessary for it would help in changing people’s attitude towards corruption as a cool life style. In emphasis, Hon. Acheng Ruth called upon the Youth/U-reporters to join the 9^th parliament to expose and end corruption, “let us say to corruption, you must end with our generation and never trickle to the next one”! Ruth appealed.

Adding to this, Hon. Kiwana Godfrey Subi noted that as youths, the only aspiration in life should be to succeed but first they need to prepare for it and live good lives for everything that success brings requires to find one prepared and in good health.

During the conference, U-reporters were engaged in a series of activities; interactions with each other since they were meeting for the first time, group works where they discussed various issues like how they have used U-report to change their societies, the challenges they face, what can be done to keep U-reporters motivated and the mandate of U-report district delegates among others.

The U-reporters were also treated to breathe taking Music interludes by Xabu Music group, who filled the air with sweet feelings, relaxation and excitement.

Summing up the Conference, James Powell the UNICEF U-report Project Manager, thanked everyone for their support towards the success of this event. He specifically thanked European Union for the support, the MPs and government at large for believing in the project and always paying attention to the issues raised by the U-reporters and majorly to the U-reporters for their interest in the project and their continued response to the U-report poll questions.

Powell said that despite the fact that U-report is a new strategy to engage the youth, it has in a very short time proved to be the most effective way of engaging the youth in the decision making processes of the Government and also of getting the youth to cause positive impact in society.

He appealed to Government to continue supporting the platform and responding to the issues raised by the U-reporters and to the U-reporters to continue reporting on the social/development challenges in their localities, responding to U-report poll questions and recruiting more U-reporters. James revealed that currently there are approximately 115000 U-reporters in the Country and they still look at recruiting even more.

He crowned the event with offering each U-reporter a Google solar Charger to keep their phones charged and in position to report anytime, anywhere.

YES, WE SHALL EMBRACE ICT IN DEVELOPMENT

RIC-NET has taken a step in the establishment of another E-society center in the Rwenzori region. This comes after a presentation this morning (27th April 2012) to the District Technical Planning Committee (TPC) Kamwenge about the establishment of this Electronic center.

 Speaking to the TPC, the Executive Director RIC-NET highlighted the background of this project and that it is being implemented to facilitate information sharing and accountability using ICT. He explained a number of elements and issues that would be involved in the set-up of this center. Among others were;
 • Provision of ICT equipment and internet connectivity to the District for this center
 • Design and development of online platforms like the District website, E-library, CSOs portal to mention but a few.
 • Provision of technical staff for the period the project is to be run in the District.
 • Trainings in computer literacy and internet He also stressed that the District would need to commit herself to this noble cause by providing space for the center, furniture, avail information to enable the development of the website and also a contact person who would be in charge to avail information and guide where necessary.
 He further went ahead and told the Kamwenge District TPC that an M.O.U (Memorandum of Understanding) has to be signed between the two parties committing themselves to this project.
The E-society project has so far been implemented in the Districts of Kasese and Kabarole.

 In his remarks the Deputy Chief Administrative officer Mr.Kandole Simon Peter appreciated the efforts by RIC-NET to take this service to the District. He said the District was in much support of this idea that they would fully support this project. Members embraced this and were also concerned if the internet connectivity would be extended to their offices.
However responding to the concerns the ED RIC-NET informed members that if this would happen then the District would meet the charges but RIC-NET is dedicated to provide technical support and that its area of concern was the Electronic center fully furnished.

A member of the TPC Mr. Binyina (planning Unit) was selected to be focal for this project and the suggestion was that a member of staff from RIC-NET travels to Kamwenge on 3rd May 2012 to share M.O.U draft and finalise with other few issues.

PLANT CLINICS TAKE ROOT IN UGANDA

“Plant Clinics are a must have because they support the extension worker with the tools and confidence to support the farmer, thus the necessity to have them equipped and operational” thus asserted the Commissioner from the Crop Pest Protection Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture Mr. Komushana… during a PlantWise stakeholder forum organized by CABI PlantWise Uganda at Africana Hotel, Kampala on 19.04.12 PlantWise is a collaborative initiative led by the Center for Agriculture and biosciences International (CABI), which brings together plant science organizations, agriculture ministries and extension providers to help them develop sustainable national plant health systems where community based Plant Clinics provide practical advice to small holder farmers when they need it. The purpose of the forum was to get PlantWise stakeholders together to share their different work plans and also map out a joint strategy on how to boost Plant Clinic operations in the Country. Participants at this forum included MAAIF, NAADs, NARO, SOCADIDO, RIC-NET, Self Help Africa-SHA, Makerere University, AFAAs among others. Speaking at the meeting, Commissioner Komushana noted that Government just like private and institutions is geared at improving food security and the lives of the smallholder farmers in Uganda and as thus both have captured Agriculture productivity increase in their development agendas. He expressed gratitude over the Plant Clinic initiative saying if well supported it should help in pest and disease surveillance, and also help to detect and inform the farmer and government on time about any likely pests and disease outbreaks. The Commissioner also informed the meeting that, given the importance of Plant Clinics, the Ministry was already working with the NAADs Secretariat to ensure that this concept is incorporated in the NAADs activities. Sharing, their work plans several partners like NARO, SOCADIDO, RIC-NET, Self Help Africa-SHA noted continued Plant Clinic operations, strengthening of Plant Clinic operation and collaboration with other stakeholders, training plant doctors, and creating links with agro-input dealers, as some of those activities that they intend to conduct during the year 2012. On the other hand, speaking for CABI PlantWise Uganda, Jane Francis shared that they plan to hold a national stakeholders workshop, identify key partners, train plant doctors, establish at least 10 Plant Clinics, backstop 23 existing Plant Clinics, establish links with agro-dealers, publicize Plant Clinics through agricultural shows and use media advocacy materials, and also facilitate discussions and implementation of integration of Plant Clinic courses into the University’s curricula, whereas, Dr. Kalyegera for MAAIF revealed that the Ministry plans to integrate Plant Clinics in the Ministry’s institutions like NAADs, boost and effect the referral system of plant samples from the farmers to the laboratories and back, set up atleast one Plant Clinic at some District headquarters and equip them with full Plant Clinic kits. (Bundibudgyo, Kayunga, Buko, Buyikwe, and Kumi Districts are some of those Districts that will have these clinics by end of June 2012) respectively. In addition to this, Phil Taylor of PlantWise also informed the meeting that PlantWise was working on a knowledge bank that would be used by the different stakeholders to access information on the different crop pests and diseases or agricultural related information from and within Uganda and beyond. Phil explained that once the knowledge bank is ready it will be launched and made available to partners who will however only be able to access information with permission from the Ministry through signed information sharing agreements. Commenting on broadening the coverage of Plant Clinics, Phil revealed that PlantWise is being decentralized; PlantWise-UK is going to train trainers of trainers (TOT) who will be charged with training other Plant Doctors at national, regional and local levels. Wrapping up the meeting, Jane Frances-CABI thanked the members for their turn-up and active participation which she said had helped in informing CABI on the different activities that organizations were doing under Plant Clinics asserting that it was going to help harmonize operations and avoid overlaps. Closing the meeting, Dr. Kalyegera expressed gratitude over the rich deliberations that members had held. He also noted that knowledge on Plant Clinics still needs to be widely shared with the community; to which he challenged everyone to be ambassadors of the same. Dr. Kalyegera however expressed fear over misinterpretation of facts/information on crop pests and diseases by plant doctors to which he appealed that a handbook for Plant Doctors to guide their operations be developed- A Plant Clinic User Handbook.

YES, THERE ARE GAPS IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

Header teachers and District leaders agree that there are gaps in the education system in the Rwenzori region. This was realized during the leaders meeting on the opening of computer for schools projects in Kabarole District. This project is sponsored by Computer for Schools Uganda [CFSU] in Partnership with Rwenzori Consortium for Civic Competency [RWECO].
The meeting took place at the municipal Yard Kabarole district on 23rd march 2012. CSFU PROJECTS; “Improving effective teaching- learning processes through ICT enabled innovative methods”.“Improving literacy and proficiency levels in English language by enhancing communication skills in 30 primary schools in the Rwenzori region”. The project is narrowed down to English language. It’s being piloted in 6 schools in Kabarole and Kasese districts. This is based on the survey conducted which showed that most of the students fail because of poor quality
The projects are based on the Problem that; Teaching-learning process is still based on method of Talk and Chalk. Which method is more tradition and thus this project will supplement the method to increase efficiency in the learning-teaching process. It’s based on the Objectives: Building the capacity of 30 English teachers and 10 English Tutors in the teacher training colleges. These shall be trained on how to use the innovative method of teaching and learning, encourage the participation of parents and other stakeholders in the teaching-learning process [district leaders, community, SMC, parents].
According to Mrs. Grace Baguma of National curriculum development center, pupils fail to achieve literacy and numeracy skills in schools. She attributed the problem to unclear policy on the language of instruction, inadequate teacher knowledge of the basic techniques of teaching literacy and numeracy, the time allocated to teaching reading, writing and developing numeracy skills and the shortage of teachers to teach in local language.
The question from the above is how we can solve the literacy level in the region. The government has put in more efforts to provide materials [books, paying teachers and providing other scholastic materials] but above all the level of education is still low. There are many drop-outs from primary and secondary schools.
In support of the notion the CAO Kabarole mentioned that, Much as education is decentralized, there still exist some tendencies of centralization in the entire system. Government should allow competition which is the basis of decentralization in the school and districts. Curriculum should be reviewed at the district level. Some languages are static as compared to languages like Kiswahili and French. Thematic curriculum is good but not transitional. The curriculum needs to be enforced even in the private schools. We should consider the level of schools and the environment where we’re operating. Some schools have got light, other children do a lot of domestic chores while other are just there to read. The issue of staff sealing affects some schools. In this case district should be allowed to recruit according to the need.
The header teachers mentioned that, the curriculum in place has been examination driven hence does not give teachers the opportunity to develop numeracy and literacy skills, the government develop a curriculum and fail to orient the teachers and above all does not provide the materials to support the curriculum e.g. the kajubi report was not implemented by the government with all such rich content in it. Some many reviews have affected performance at both secondary and Primary.
It was suggested that, certain programs should pass through the curriculum center to avoid such programs that are not productive and increase the work load for the school and the students. Teaching should not only be to pass exams but to increase knowledge among the students. The ministry should establish courses that encourage the teachers to be more innovative in the teaching learning process. Professionalism should be encouraged among the teacher to determine whether learning has taken place or not. With the ongoing review of the Secondary school curriculum, the NCDC has plans to orient teachers, education officials and all the stakeholders across the country. The MOES should monitor the implementation of the entire education e.g. the language policy No 3/05 of 10/1/2005, deploy your best teacher circular No 2/2005 and other circulars.

Launch of the Second E-Society in the Rwenzori region

Kabarole District Local Government in partnership with RWECO/RIC-NET have launched yet the second E-society center in the Rwenzori region at Kabarole District Local Government headquarters.

The function held at Tooro club yesterday was witnessed by the Local Government technical staff from Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kamwenge and Bundibugyo Districts, political leaders of the Kabarole District led by the Chairperson LC5 who was also the Guest of honour for this function, representatives from the media houses and representation of the Civil society.

A number of activities were carried out including the speeches from different stake holders.

The District information officer Kabarole Ms Lillian Nkwenge introduced the whole concept of the E-society center to the invited guests’ right from inception to the set up. She noted and recognized the efforts of RIC-NET for this noble cause right after the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) late last year (2011). She noted that the E-society was going to be one stop center at the District for information sharing, trainings and other related services.

In his opening remarks the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Kabarole Mr. Juma Nyende expressed his gratitude to RIC-NET as development partners thanking them for all the tireless efforts to see that this dream of the E-society has come to pass.

He noted that Kabarole as a district had started an idea to have a Local Area Network at the District which was already being implemented to avoid use of public internet café’s by their staff since they handle sensitive information. He also asked the District staff to fully utilize the center. He noted that the District website online was to be continuously updated and edited and that therefore all staff should comply whenever approached for information.

The chief Administrative Officer also informed the guests of the commitment they (District) had shown by offering space that houses the E-society center, some staff and other logistics.

In her speech the Program Manager RIC-NET who represented the Executive Director thanked all members for having honored the invitation to come and attend this important function. She explained how RIC-NET a member organization of RWECO came into partnership with Kabarole District Local Government and later the setup of the center. She also said that this ICT hub was among other services going to facilitate information sharing for a poverty free society, become one stop center for research now that Kabarole has two Universities and that it would serve as training center for internship students in some occasions. She also said that consultative and round table meetings had been held for Kyenjojo and Bundibugyo Districts for the establishment of the E-society centers and that an official visit had been done for Kamwenge.

She requested for their cooperation and concluded with the signing of the dedication document of the E-society center to the people of Kabarole. It was received and signed by CAO and District chairperson Kabarole on behalf of the people of Kabarole and later read to the guests by the RWECO coordinator Mr.Jimmy Odyek who later handed this document to the District Administration officially. The document also contained a detailed list of all equipment in the E-society resource center.

In his closing speech the District chairperson who was also the Guest of honor thanked RWECO through RIC-NET for all the efforts of having this center a reality at the District. He pledged that the District was going to continue supporting this center to see that it is sustainable and continuously runs and can also be used by the other leaders who may come after them.

He emphasized maximum utilization of the center and was happy by the 296 users who were reported to have used the center form November 2011 to date. He said that since this has officially been published more users of this center will come on board.

He later launched the kabarole website “ I therefore officially launch this website that is hosted at www.kabaroledistrict.go.ug “ he further opened the E-society resource center officially at the end of the function and departure was later after lunch.

Connecting Girls, Inspiring Future

Connecting girls, inspiring future was a theme on international women’s day celebration held in Nyamiseke primary school Kiyomba, Buhesi sub county Kabarole District on 8^th March 2012. The guest of honor was Honorable MP Mrs. Victoria Businge Rusoke commonly known as maama wabana Woman Member of Parliament Kabarole District. she noted that Girls should be protected against all forms of destruction like rape, early marriages among others, but this could only be done by encouraging them to study and working hard while in school as parents provide scholastic materials, like books, pens, lunch, sanitary pads, uniforms among others to facilitate them do well at school for the good future since girls are future mothers and have the potential doing all things as boys can do. She also encouraged women to check cervical cancer for a bright future and, to always go for antenatal check ups when pregnant as directed by health workers to produce health babies and also have health bodies them selves but not going to hospital at delivery time. Disabled children should not be neglected by their parents in education and home care services because they are also gifts from God as other children.

The Guest of honor encouraged women to form groups to be able to access women funds that can enhance development in their homes since the district receives 2,500,000UGX every month as support for women in Kabarole District.

RIC-NET as an NGO working towards millennium development goals (MDG 1 and 3) of eradicating poverty and hunger, empowers women and girls to participate in development activities through information sharing on health and education. In the past years that women were excluded and taken as minorities in society but since 1986, women were liberated by NRM Government to eradicate poverty for development. In Ugandan parliament, 376 Member of Parliament 1/3 of them are women because they are trust worth in all their activities, So RIC-NET in its programme area of social inclusion, health and development encourages women to participate in education and health activities for a bright future for sustainable development.

Several documentaries have been shot on antenatal service delivery and maternal health care from Buhinga Regional Referral Hospital and Rwengoma Health Center to share information with the community on service delivery. Girls have accessed information on how to care for them selves while in their menstruation periods and how breast feeding mothers can care for their children till maturity.

If women and girls get engaged in accessing information on health and education as it is quoted in the Bible that “my people perish because of lack of wisdom and Knowledge”, a step forward will be taken in our communities and homes for sustainable development and prosperity.

KABAROLE JOINS THE REST OF THE WORLD TO CELEBRATE THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

8^th March 2012 the International Women’s Day was a remarkable one for the women in Kabarole district.

The day was celebrated with the theme, “Connecting Girls, Inspiring the Futures!!”

Over 10,000 people turned up for the celebrations at Nyamiseke Primary School, Buheesi sub-county, Kabarole district, where the district celebrations were held. The guest of honour was Mrs. Businge Rusoke Victoria, the woman Member of Parliament for Kabarole district. Other guest speakers among others included; Mr. Topista Ket Tinkasimire Chair person L C II, Mr. Masa Robert Chair person L C III, Mr. Rwabuhinga Richard Chair person L C V, and Mr. Birabalema Elijah RDC, Kabarole.

The celebrations started with the Tooro Kingdom Anthem, and the National Anthem. Later, the guest of honour inspected the parade composed of the Police officers, Prison officers, Security officers, women Groups, Students, and pupils, which was accompanied by a brass band.

Other activities done were award of certificates of recognition to different women who have excelled in various fields in contributing towards the development of the country such as leadership, education etc There was also exhibitions by different CBOs, NGOs, women groups and companies; the exhibition contained women hand crafts such as baskets, paper jewelries etc.

In their speeches, both the L C V and the RDC urged the community to work together to promote the rights of women and education of a girl child. They urged those who have been violating women rights to repent and live in harmony and avoid negative behaviours such as defilement, rape of women, domestic violence and any other practice that may lead to abuse of human rights. They promised to work with the community leaders to ensure that who ever violates the rights of women faces the law and urged women to always report any cases that violate their rights. They also asked women to always seek maternal health services in Health centers, since; the health centers are now equipped with medical personnel and drugs required.

In her remarks, the Guest of honor, Mrs. Businge Rusoke Victoria thanked the participants and organizers of the function for the good work done and for honouring her as the guest of honour. She also thanked the government for recognizing women and gave them to an opportunity to participate in various capacities of service; in civil service and private sector. She urged parents to educate their children and also given them the scholastic materials as required.

BWERA COMMUNITIES RISE AGAINST POOR SOCIAL SERVICE DELIVERY

Communities in Bwera, Kasese District have engaged stakeholders and government leaders in finding lasting solutions to dangers associated with poor water sanitation and poor academic performance of schools.

Bwera, Mpondwe and Lhubiriha community members gathered on Tuesday 29^th 2012, with their local leaders and civil society organizations to discuss and establish ways of improving the use of Maizi marungi water project and Education service delivery in rural primary school. The dialogues took place at Bwera sub-county head quarter in the morning and Kalongoire Catholic Church in the after noon.

There has been an out break of cholera and other water related diseases due to poor water sanitation in the area, which has threatened people’s lives and contributed to individual deaths. Dr. Gatare S. Alphonse the medical superintendent of Bukonzo West Health Sub District reports; 4 cases dead at the Cholera Treatment Center out of the 256 registered at the center since October 2011. Most community members attributed this to poor maintenance of the Maizi marungi water source that experiences lack of routine cleaning and regular water treatment. Since the project monitors are not paid, they don’t have the courage of cleaning the dirty stones at the main supply point, one of the community members said. He said that a debt of shs 10million is standing UN cleared which is part of the monitor committee payment.

However, the Town Clark Mpondwe Lhubiriha town council Masika Eve reported that, the source of this new Maizi Marungi Scheme is 11.5kms a way from main supply point at Kihondo with 436 connection points, a reserve tank at Bwera hospital, water kiosics well maintained, cleaned and treated for safe use and the worker are paid for their services.

On the other hand, increased number of parents, children, teachers, and other stakeholder attended the neighborhood assembly meeting known as “Ekyaghanda Kyabataka” to discuss Education issues that affect performance of children at PLE.

Mrs. Kapere Janet a community member attributes poor performance of children at PLE to; chasing children from classes that make them miss lessons, sexual abuse of girls by their teacher that makes girls develop fear for those teachers, then parents involving children in house work that reduces their revision time. Kabajasi Dan a parent added that, most teachers sleep in bars, attend classes while drunk therefore they can’t teach well.

Though the deputy District Education officer Kasese District Mr. Baluku Mustafa attributes the Child’s academic failure to weaknesses of both parents and teachers, there is need for the entire community, Government Leaders and stake holders to join hands to improve the Education standards of children in rural schools.

It is a role played by the CSOs in Bwera in mobilizing the community to raise their voices and air out community problems for leaders to take action. These CSOs include KALI and BIC which have guided and facilitated the formation of community Parliaments Known as “Ebyanganda Byabataka” where leaders, stake holders and members of the community meet to discuss community issues and find ways of solving such issues based on Health, Education and Agriculture etc for improved service delivery. And the participation of the community has realized increasing members day after day which shows people’s concern to cause change.