On June 26th, 2025, over 380 people from 21 villages in Bufunjo Sub-county Kyenjojo District in Tooro Sub Region in Uganda, came together for a powerful community meeting locally known as a Baraza. The event was organized by RIDE-AFRICA together with Change Agents (CAs) and Community Follow up Committees (CFCs).
This was not an ordinary village meeting but a space where citizens spoke with one voice to demand better service delivery. The meeting was chaired by the LCIII Chairperson and attended by parish chiefs, technocrats, and political leaders. The Baraza proved one key lesson: when people unite, they can create real change.
The gathering gave residents a rare chance to directly engage their leaders. Community members raised issues affecting their daily lives, poor road conditions, gaps in health services, lack of clean water, increasing gender based violence in homes, school dropout rates changing agricultural seasons among others.
Leaders listened carefully. The LCIII Chairperson and sub-county officials promised pledged to take action on a few prioritised issues based on the local government budgets available. The CAs and CFCs were requested to follow up on petitions made and keep citizens informed about progress. This open exchange built trust between citizens and leaders, showing that dialogue can lead to accountability and real solutions.
Out of this Baraza and a few that followed, a 10-kilometer feeder road linking Mirongo and Kinyantale villages in Kanyegaramire Sub-county, once impassable during the rainy season, was set for rehabilitation. The District Local Government has released funds in the current quarter (July–September 2025) to support the works. The sub-county provided culverts and equipment, while community members contributed first-class marram to improve the road. This reflects revival of the true spirit of communal work for the common good (Locally known as Burungi Bwansi).
Beyond physical changes, the Barazas bring deeper transformation. People became more aware of their rights and responsibilities. Community leaders become more open and accountable. Citizens begin to believe in their power to influence local development.
That experience in Bufunjo Sub-county carries an important lesson: when citizens are informed, organized, and included, they become powerful agents of change. Civic participation bridges the gap between communities and duty bearers. It leads to better services, stronger accountability, and renewed trust on both sides.
RIDE-AFRICA remains committed to promoting such platforms for citizen engagement, where voices are heard, leaders are responsive, and change begins from the ground up.