Swedish Delegates Applaud Community Accountability Efforts in Arua’s Ringili Parish

RINGILI PARISH, ARUA DISTRICT – March 19, 2025:

In a significant show of international cooperation, a high-level Swedish delegation led by Hon. Benjamin Dousa, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, visited Ringili Parish in Arua District today. 

The delegation witnessed a vibrant community Baraza organized by Community Empowerment for Rural Development (CEFORD) Uganda in collaboration with the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) under the Partnership for Community Empowerment and Resilience (#PACER) program, aimed at strengthening mutual accountability between government authorities and local communities.

The Swedish team, which also included Mrs. Maria Håkansson, Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda, praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of grassroots engagement in fostering transparent governance and improved service delivery.

Hon. Benjamin Dousa, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Benjamin Dousa expressed admiration for the community members' boldness in holding their leaders accountable.

"I am deeply impressed by your courage to demand accountability. That is the essence of democracy, and I assure you that Sweden remains committed to supporting Uganda in these efforts," he stated.

Critical Issues Raised: Education and Health Challenges

During the Baraza, the Chairperson LC3 of the area raised pressing concerns over the high rate of school dropouts, particularly due to teenage pregnancies. He called upon parents to take an active role in encouraging their children, especially girls, to return to school. He further pledged to organize additional village Barazas to address these and other community concerns.

Chairperson LC3 Ringili Parish

Chandia Geofrey, the community’s education representative, painted a grim picture of the education sector in Ringili.

"We have only one government school serving seven villages, with a severe shortage of infrastructure. One desk accommodates up to seven pupils, and classrooms are overcrowded with more than 300 children, making learning conditions similar to a kraal," he said.

Chandia Geofrey, the community’s education representative

He emphasized that without substantial investment in education, the community's future prospects, including economic opportunities symbolized by car ownership, remain bleak.

Equally troubling were the issues surrounding healthcare access. Nvikia Annet, representing women in the community, highlighted the struggles faced by mothers and families in obtaining health services.

Nvikia Annet, Representing women

"Ringili Parish lacks a health center, forcing residents to rely on Kuluva Private Hospital, which is costly for ordinary citizens," she said, urging authorities to prioritize healthcare infrastructure.

Commitment to Clean Water and Development

LCV Chairperson Alfred Okuonzi assured residents of his administration’s dedication to improving living standards.

"We are working towards ensuring every household has access to tap water. Water is life, and we want no home left behind," he affirmed.

Okuonzi also extended gratitude to the PACER program and its partners, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Ireland, for their continued support in enhancing community accountability platforms.

LCV Chairperson Alfred Okuonzi

The engagement concluded with a renewed commitment from both local leaders and international partners to address the highlighted challenges and empower Ringili Parish towards sustainable development.

BY: Candia Peter- https://www.dailywestnile.info/