Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in West Nile are set to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between citizens and local government authorities following a transformative two-day training organized by ACODE (Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment) in partnership with WENDA (West Nile Development Association).
The training, held on December 2-3, 2024 at Desert breeze hotel Arua city aimed to equip selected CSOs with the tools and knowledge necessary to monitor service delivery, advocate for climate justice, and amplify citizen voices in governance processes.
Central to the project is the revival of the renowned District Scorecard, a tool designed to assess the performance of local government leaders on key parameters such as planning, budgeting, and service delivery.
The initiative marks the beginning of a four-year partnership between ACODE and CSOs in West Nile to promote transparency and citizen-centered governance.
Speaking at the training, Eugene Mugisha, ACODE’s Project Coordinator, highlighted the significance of the District Scorecard.
“The return of the District Scorecard in West Nile is a game-changer for governance. It empowers communities with a clear framework to assess their leaders and hold them accountable,” Mugisha said.
The training covered critical topics, including:
Participants also explored Civic Engagement Meetings (CEMs) and Citizen Engagement Action Plans (CEAPs), frameworks aimed at mobilizing grassroots communities to actively participate in governance and climate justice advocacy.
CSO leaders from across the region expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative. Rose Akello, a representative from a participating CSO in Arua District, praised the program’s focus on empowering communities.
“For far too long, our people have struggled to demand accountability from local authorities. This training has given us the tools to change that narrative and make citizens' voices heard,” Akello said.Similarly, Richard Oryem, a youth leader from Nebbi District, emphasized the importance of climate justice.
“Climate change is a reality we live with daily in West Nile. This initiative will help us push for inclusive planning and ensure that resources are allocated fairly to protect vulnerable communities,” Oryem noted.
Over the next four years, selected CSOs will be tasked with conducting Civic Engagement Meetings, guiding communities in drafting demand letters and petitions, and reviewing district planning and budgeting documents.
They will also document the proceedings and impacts of their advocacy to ensure transparency and accountability.
In his remarks, Dr. Arthur Bainomugisha, Executive Director of ACODE, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to grassroots empowerment.
“This initiative is about putting power in the hands of the people. CSOs will be the driving force behind stronger, more inclusive governance in West Nile,” he said.
The training concluded with a call to action for CSOs to prioritize their communities’ needs.
WENDA’s Executive Director, Irene Nakiranda, reminded participants of their critical role in fostering sustainable development.
“You are now the torchbearers of accountability and climate justice in West Nile. Let this training be the beginning of impactful change for our communities,” she said.
As the project takes off, all eyes are on West Nile’s CSOs to deliver transformative results, ensuring that the voices of the most vulnerable are heard and their needs addressed.
For updates on this initiative and the progress of CSO-led activities, follow ACODE and WENDA’s platforms.
