Today we have successfully conducted a reflection and orientation training for the peer counselors and elected leaders from our program hosted at GWRC 45 councilors from Gulu, Amuru, Nwoya and Omoro Districts participated in the training.
Local councils in Uganda are responsible for planning and budgeting for their districts, municipalities, sub-counties and parishes. In order for them to be effective, government has put in place a planning and budgeting cycle to guide their work right from the parish level. The local councilors are charged with the responsibility of mobilizing citizens to participate in planning and budget cycle. This process enables citizens to communicate their priorities to the leaders in order to inform the plans and budgets in their areas. This process works well if women effectively participate in these meetings and make their voices heard.
“It is not enough for women to sit in the council and sign attendance list true change will only come if we can speak our voices loud and WGEF- has given us the tools todays today”
Rose Okong – Women Chairperson Nwoya District
As leaders, councilors are expected to address issues affecting their communities. They do this in a number of ways. they work with various partners such as NGOs, private companies and individuals to address the challenges faced in their constituencies. Councilors are also responsible for monitoring service delivery in their constituencies.
Local councilors support the process of make ordinances while those at sub-county level make bye-laws. These laws are meant to address arising concerns in the absence of legislation. For instance, where councilors detect gaps in health provision, domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse and there is no specific law to address such issues, they can make ordinances at the district level or bye-laws at the sub-county level to address the problem.
Key Message
Political participation without enforcement of accountability measures does not yield improved service delivery.
Accountability leadership is what drives development through effective and efficient utilization of resources by the duty bearers for the benefit of the rights holders –the citizens.
Accountable leaders need to be creative, transformative and promoters of human/ women’s rights.
Accountability also thrives with an active citizenry and civil society, as well as transparent, democratic institutions.
To learn more