STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
Under this program, we promote community-led governance and social accountability to improve public services. We support citizens to participate in decision-making and hold leaders responsible for quality service delivery in their communities.
With support from our development partner, we are implementing a Participatory Action Research (PAR) model in six sub-counties of Kyenjojo District: Bufunjo, Nyantungo, Kanyegaramire, Nyabuharwa, Bugaaki, and Rugombe Town Council. Through this model, we train and guide communities to identify their key concerns, agree on priority actions, and engage leaders to respond.
In each selected village, we have trained Community Change Agents (CAs) and Community Follow-Up Committees (CFCs). These are voluntary structures made up of village leaders and active community members. They use PAR tools to mobilise citizens, create awareness, encourage positive behaviour, and follow up on agreed community actions. Their role is to strengthen community participation, accountability, and problem-solving.
Since 2022, this model has led to real change. Citizen participation in local government planning and budgeting has increased, local leaders now respond to community petitions, and village meetings and communal work have been revived. A key example is from Kanyegaramire Sub-County, where residents raised funds and bought land for a public health unit. The district is waiting acquisition of the land title so that construction can be added to the district budget. There is also improved classroom infrastructure at Rwenjaza Primary School, rehabilitation of of over 75 km of feeder roads, and extension of piped water across the six sub-counties.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
3.1 To facilitate active participation of rural communities in democratic governance processes through targeted awareness campaigns, training programs, and platforms for civic engagement. Focus areas: Civic education and awareness, leadership and development, community mobilization and advocacy and access to information.