Kyegegwa targets corrupt staff

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Sunday, 26 August 2012 21:28

Written by wilber muhwezi

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Kyegegwa district chairman Norman Birungi has said the district has lost more than Shs 100m in the two years it has been in existence to officials suspected to be corrupt.

Birungi said seven district staff had so far been interdicted to pave way for investigations. Birungi revealed this development to The Observer last week after attending a sensitization workshop on good governance at Kyegegwa district headquarters.

The workshop was organized and funded by the Rwenzori Consortium for Civic Competence (RWECO) and Ride Africa, nongovernmental organizations with anti-corruption and governance programmes in Rwenzori sub-region.

The workshop was intended to kick-start activities in preparation for the launch of the Kyegegwa district Integrity Promotion Forum, due in November. Each district in Uganda, according to RWECO project coordinator, Jimmy Baluku, is expected to have an Integrity Promotion Forum chaired by the Resident District Commission.

“Kyegegwa badly needs such forum that can instill discipline amongst our staff who have become unethical and corrupt,” Birungi said.

He said two members of staff in the district’s forestry sub-sector had been dragged to the Anti-Corruption Court for allegedly embezzling more than Shs 50m, while another Shs 25m had been stolen from the finance department.

wmuhwezi@yahoo.com

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Accessed on  Tuesday, 28, Aug, 2012 from:  http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20589&Itemid=114

RWECO HOSTS THE TEAM FROM ELEC/EDUKANS.

ELEC/Edukans and RWECO staff at RWECO in Kasese district

Rwenzori Consortium for Civic Competence (RWECO) in conjunction with her campaign of improving literacy and  English proficiency levels of 9,000 pupils from Kasese and Kabarole in three years hosted a team of five from Local Expertise Centre (LEC) and the Edukans foundation from the Netherlands on 16 August 2012 at RWECO Offices,  Kasese municipality.  RWECO is a consortium of 4 NGOs whose mission is: to enhance citizens  civic competence to demand for voice and accountability in governance and service delivery through meaningful and principled engagement between citizens and the state .  The team that comprised of staff from LEC and Edukans Foundations  had come to carry out an assessment of the EPP project using the Edukans Assessment tool (EAT). The project that aims at enhancing communication skills in 30 primary schools in the two districts, 2  primary teacher training colleges and 6 secondary schools.

The assessment exercise that was conducted according to three categories of management, programme and finance focused on the following aspects. Vision, mission and strategy, how the statement is shared, made known to all relevant levels, translation of strategy into implementation, external relations assessment of the impact caused on the target groups, the legal status of the organization composition of the Board and its gender responsiveness in terms of representation and staffing. It was clear that out of the ten Board members only one was a woman mean while out of the seven staff at CU three were ladies the question was however, what was their  level in terms of decision making at the organization and their involvement in programme work.  

The team that split into three then converged in the Board room together with the RWECO staff to share their findings and showing some areas of concern . Finally the team was hosted to a dinner at White Hotel Gardens in Kasese Municipality where further discussions on the project and general issues of development dominated the evening.

By Agnes Kyakimwa

RWECO

Parents’ initiative supported by Area MP. Hon C. Kiyonga, MP Bukonzo County West, Kasese district by giving Iron sheets

Kasese District Local Government allocated part of its funds from Belgian Development Agency (BTC-Uganda) under the Institutional Capacity Building Project to support Sub Counties in hard to reach and live primary schools with Low Cost Staff Quarters.

Despite the efforts of Kasese District Education and Sports Department to improve the welfare of the teachers in hard to reach and live primary schools, the contractors of some schools like Nyamughona (Contractor-Yanghis), Kamatsuku and Kibirigha (Contractor-BWASI) primary schools have frustrated and breached the M o U between Kasese District Local Government and the Belgian Technical Agency (BTC-Uganda) the Potential Funders of Low Cost Staff Quarters for teachers in Kasese district.

In a letter dated 20^th March, 2012 from the DEO’s office to the Chairperson School Management Committees of these Schools, the Ag. District Education Officer, Mr. George S.Mainja noted with dismay how the contractors have breached the M o U and not meeting the specifications in the Terms of Reference (ToR).

On 10^th August, 2012 Muhesi Nicholas Programme Officer- for Social Accountability and a CPF- Mr. Julius Mugabi supported by Hivos visited Nyamughona Primary school.

In an exclusive interview with the Head teacher Mr. Baseja Josephant (0783359549), classroom teacher Mr. Eriab Thembo and Mzee Njumba Kesi Bwambale PTA representative and concerned parents of Nyamughona Primary School in Picture above revealed that they are not satisfied with the works on the building as it was shoddy and remained incomplete. The building has developed major cracks and murram from the wall is being washed by rain.  what the contractors do to frustrate the UPE Programme in hard to reach schools.

The purpose of low cost staff Quarter houses was to reduce the late coming and absenteeism of teachers who walk long distances to catch up with the morning lessons and remedial so as to improve the academic standards and performance in these strong hold UPE Primary schools.

When we were at the scene, it was noted that the above uncompleted two bed room staff quarter was contracted in FY 2009/2010 and construction commenced in 2010 now down the road the building has been abandoned with no clear explanation from both the contractor, Sub County leadership and the Kasese District Local Government.

The building is now a white elephant inhabited by the Cattle as they welcomed us in the compound. This portrays a bad image to the BTC and the Kasese District Local Government as it is a wastage of Tax payers money.

The parents, School Management Committees, PTAs and the general community are concerned about the fate of their children how they will  begin third term on 3^rd September, 2012 next term without teachers, latrine stances and classrooms.

The school has only one permanent building that doubles as an administration block, book store, common staff room and a P.7 classroom which was built by former regime of Yokasi Bihande as LC V Chairperson.

To curb and support the retention rate in the school, parents have initiated a PTA/SMC development Project to supplement the only one permanent building. They are molding bricks. The parents have constructed a semi permanent mud and wattle four classrooms with support from Area Hon. MP. C. Kiyonga who donated about 30 Iron sheets during his campaigns in 2011 General Elections.

The lack of seriousness of the contractors in Nyamughona Primary School has negatively impacted on the school academic performance and retention rate. Most of the parents have shifted their pupils to other schools such as St. Joseph-Nyamughona, Kasanga, Kamatsuku and Muhindi primary school which is far from their homes.

The enrolment of teachers stands at 7 males and 01 female and 169 pupils with 84 males and 85 females.

It was revealed that because of inadequate infrastructure such as classrooms, latrine stances play ground for Physical Education and staff quarters both teachers and pupils have threatened to shift to different schools. For example Nyamughona Primary School used to be a P.7 UPE school but due to low retention rate the school is now a P.6 UPE school. Thus a

The school has no permanent latrine stances but has 2 make shift temporary latrine stances which are shared between teachers and pupils. ‘Imagine your sons and daughters in such a sore state of school.’

However, due the poor standards of living and parents attitude, the learners do have adequate scholastic materials though the progress of academic performance has been hindered. Other causes for poor standards of education have high dependency on subsistence farming/ poor farming methods, inability to afford lunch for the learners, Lack of role models in the area. Low literacy rates in the area as a result of low household incomes and superiority complex of men. (Mind set and attitude)

The rural water coverage is at 90%. A big area is water stressed and therefore fewer technologies can be used to provide safe water.

 I appeal to the Sub County leadership, Kasese District Local government-Education and Sports Department to approach UNICEF through SNV-Connecting People to support Nyamughona Primary School such that it benefits from the Hard Ware under the Community Empowerment Programme that gives Sanitation and Hygiene Facilities to Schools in hard to reach and live schools in Kasese district.

 KALI will continue monitoring government programme to reveal shoddy and poor workmanship in the Education Sector.

By Nicholas Muhesi
KALI

Ruhaama platform irks Ms Museveni

By PEREZ RUMANZI

Posted  Friday, August 17  2012 at  01:00

In Summary

Undermined?. Ms Museveni accuses district and sub-county councillors and LC3 chairpersons of undermining her authority as the area MP by demanding for service delivery through platforms.

The Ruhaama Constituency MP and First Lady, Ms Janet Museveni, has reportedly criticised leaders in the area for creating a forum to discuss development challenges without her knowledge.

In a closed door meeting with area leaders at Nyarutuntu, the headquarters for Ruhaama County on Monday, Ms Museveni reportedly accused area councillors, LC chairpersons and other leaders of undermining her authority as the area MP, by creating a forum to demand for service delivery behind her back.

Ms Museveni also demanded for the disbandment of the platform dubbed Eishazi rya Ruhaama, which the leaders contested.
“The First Lady has been misinformed by her close aides in Ntungamo that we have formed a platform to fight her, that we want to bring someone to stand against her in 2016 which is not the case,” Mr Denis Muhumuza, the Itojo Sub-county councillor and chief platform mobiliser, told Daily Monitor on Wednesday.
Mr Muhumuza further added that the purpose of the platform is to discuss development in the area and is not politically motivated.

The forum, which started at the end of last year, has convened several times and deliberated on issues like creation of Ruhaama District from Ntungamo and tarmacking of the Ntungamo-Mirama Hills road.

However, a source, who attended the closed door meeting, says Ms Museveni was reportedly irked by the demand to create Ruhaama District without first consulting her .

“If we are to bring out anything related to Ruhaama, I believe there is your member of parliament where these ideas can pass. Why then do you have to go out and form those so called organisations? We cannot allow this to continue,” Mr Muhumuza quoted Ms Museveni as saying.hare This Story

The Ruhaama Sub-county chairperson, Mr Tom Rwomushana, who was also in the meeting, said many of them were angered by Ms Museveni’s misconception of other people’s ideas.

“Does she feel she is the only person to plan for us? We too want to discuss our ideas. We have talked about this road for a long time. We can’t keep quiet as we are also being criticised by our people,” Mr Rwomushana said.

The Ntungamo District chairperson, Mr Denis Singahache, confirmed the meeting took place but declined to disclose the details.

Ms Museveni’s political assistant George Bakunda also acknowledged that the meeting was chaired by the First Lady who was not happy with the conduct of the area leaders.

“That group is serving its interests and not programmes of the MP. The MP is not happy with what they are doing. She said there should always be one leaders’ meeting which she should chair,” Mr Bakunda told Daily Monitor yesterday.

IHANDIRO SUB COUNTY GETS PERFORMANCE BONUS

Back ground

KALI has been working with Ihandiro Sub County on issues of Gender budgeting and governance, emphasizing planning and budgeting.

Ihandiro Sub County is found in Kasese district, Bukonzo west constituency. Being a mountainous area, its road network and communication is poor and therefore a hard to reach and hard to live area.

For many years, Ihandiro Sub County was one of the least performing sub counties in Kasese district in planning and budgeting for the community members. This was due to inadequate skills in planning and budgeting by the technical staff, committees and the elected leaders; planning process was basically desk work without involving the communities.

Through KALI monitoring findings, the above were revealed and interventions were designed in agreement with the sub county leadership, to improve the planning process.

KALI organized a meeting with the sub county leadership where action plans were drawn and a sub county gender budget advocacy group was established which helped in ensuring gender sensitive plans and budgets.

KALI then organized training workshops aimed at developing the capacities of the sub county leaders and technical staff in planning and budgeting processes which included their roles and responsibilities and thereafter, facilitated the planning meetings right from the village level to sub county level. This included supporting the budget conferences.

Because of the above interventions, I handiro sub county is now one of the best performing sub counties in the district. There has been a great improvement in the planning and budgeting processes and increased community participation at the grassroots level to the sub county level. This is portrayed by effective participation of councilors, the community and other stakeholders in the process especially the budget conferences to ensure their priorities are incorporated in the sub county development plan. This forms the basis for assessing any sub county’s performance, and hence a ground for bonus. For the financial years 2009/2010 and 2010/2011, Ihandiro sub county has been in position of getting these performance bonuses and this has increased on the sub county income.

In view of the above, most communities are willing and ready to participate in any development intervention as long as they are informed /invited and therefore, for effective planning and budgeting of any sub county, there is need for participation of all stakeholders.

By Betty K- KALI

THE PRIDE OF A WOMAN IS FINALLY RECOVERED IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS

It has been long since the girl child has suffered silently with menstrual problems in primary schools. Most girls have no information about how their bodies change from childhood to adulthood and those who know from science do not take it serious because they study to pass! Mothers fear to talk about it because they are shy! Then who will speak out for the young generation?

KALI has taken this seriously because it found out that most girls drop out of school because of menstrual hygiene. They do not get enough information about menstruation that when they finally face it, they stain their clothes in class and boys laugh at them which embarrass them and they finally leave school or isolate themselves from other people because they think that they are abnormal.

Ms.Betty Katusabe, KALI Director, demonstrating to the pupils how to make low cost sanitary pads

You may wonder now what these children have been using as pads. I happened to ask that question to girls from Buhathiro, Kihungamiyagha , Kihungu primary schools and they told me that they use old clothes stolen from their little siblings nappies, some pick these old clothes from garbage pits, and others just stay in bed to spoil their beddings. Worse still, these girls do not have knickers to hold these clothes, yet they have to involve in school co-curricular activities at school. This causes to their pads to drop in public and there is no more embarrassment than this. It clearly explains why the enrolments of girls reduce as they grow to be promoted to higher classes.

KALI therefore came up with the idea of making re-usable pads (RUMPS). We first sensitize the children about menstrual hygiene then demonstrate on how to make these pads. We use a clean cotton or poplin cloth, a scissor, an exercise book for measurements, a needle, a thread, a button, chalk or pencil to measure, and any cotton or thick clean cloth, a Kittenge or even a towel to make a re-usable pad which is made to imitate the disposable pads sold in the shops. This has been done in 15 schools of Bukumbia, Mahango, Nyamisule, Bishop Egdio, St. peters Kibalya in Mahango sub county, Kitabu, Kitabona, Kyarumba, Kihungu and Kihungamiyagha in Kyarumba sub county, Buhathiro and Kibirigha in Ihandiro sub county, Mpondwe primary and Nyabugando P/S in Mpondwe Lhubiriha town council, and Kisolholho primary school in karambi sub county.

The girls! Ooh they are very happy that someone can live happily as one girl from Kibirigha   primary school said “at last! The embarrassment of stamping is over”. And even the mothers who attended appreciated the idea that they promised to sensitize other parents towards the same but still need to be sensitized.

This program needs to reach a wider area and this is to appeal to partners and donors to save the girl child, especially those in hard to reach schools to inspire their future. This will indeed make the world a better place to leave.

By Masika Scovia

KALI

Why does Kamuntu want a private investor in UWA-Kasese deal?

Editor:On monday, New Vision published a story entitled "UWA,Kasese deal flops. I am surprised by the decision of the tourism minister, Ephraim Kamuntu. The Kasese District Local Government is a corporate entity that has identified ways of raising funds locally. According to the Uganda wild Authority, shs 1b was identified but the tourism minister has advised to instead look for a provate investor. Following the trends in the private sector promotion and investment in Uganda, why has the Minister zeroed on this alternative instead of letting UWA and Kasese district handle the deal as already planned? I strongly believe that this project would bring hope to the district which is struggling to improve on it's local revenue collection.

The minister should inform the people of Kasese why this deal could not be executed without involving a private investor.

 Jimmy B.Odyek
 jimodyek@gmail.com
 Source: New Vision Wednesday August 15th 2012 Page 17

BUNDIBUGYO TO HOST THE CSOs FAIR AS RWECO LAUNCHES THE 3RD E-SOCIETY CENTRE IN THE REGION

The Regional CSOs fair an event that provides a platform for development actors and community members to reflect, share information and advocate for regional development corncerns is on in full gear. the event that attracts participants from the CSOs, farmers, Local Government and the private sector takes place every two years the initial one being in 2004.

The coordinator RANNET talks to the RDC Bundibugyo RANNET as the lead agency has organized a series of planning meetings attended by representatives from RIC-NET, RIDE-AFRICA, KRC, SATNET, AHURIO, KANCA, and FORMA among others. Under the theme: peace and unity for sustainable regional development, the 2012 regional CSOs fair (5th Edition) will be held from 10th -13th September at Bundibugyo Booma grounds with various activities as debates on peaceful co-existance, food security & ICT exhibitions, launch of the Bundibugyo E-society centre and the regional development framework. On 1stAugust 2012, the Coordinator RANNET and Program manager RIC-NET travelled to Bundibugyo where they mobilized and interacted with the District leaders, CSOs as BAWILA and companies as ESCO Uganda Limited, HOFOKAM, MOVIT, who positively responded towards attending and supporting the regional CSOs fair. Most outstanding was that the chief administrative officer signed the MOU that formalizes the setup of the E-society centre in the District. After the set up, RWECO will have the E-Society centre launched as one of the major activities during the Regional CSOs fair in September.

Dutch to improve literacy levels in Kasese

The observer Sunday, 05 August 2012 19:11

Written by WILBER MUHWEZI

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Rwenzori consortium civic competence (RWECO) has started a campaign to improve literacy and the English proficiency levels of 9,000 pupils from Kasese and Kabarole in three years.

RWECO is a consortium of NGOs that are involved in programmes that hold government accountable to its citizens.  According to RWECO programme officer, Patrick Bwambale, the project is funded by EDUKANS Foundation from Netherlands at the tune of 120,000 Euros (Shs 360m).

The project aims at enhancing communication skills in 30 primary schools in the two districts. Under the project, 450 teachers and 30 tutors will be trained in how to teach the English language. Bwambale told The Observer that research conducted in the Rwenzori region revealed that half of the pupils have difficulties in writing and reading.

For instance, the UWEZO 2010 showed that 50% of the pupils have serious difficulties in communication through reading. Another research by the National Assessment for Primary Education (NAPE) 2008 revealed that pupils in primary six have very low literacy skills. Bwambale attributed the lack of English proficiency to the thematic curriculum in the lower primary where pupils are taught in their local languages.

As part of the project, RWECO organized such activities as debating, poetry, singing, puzzles, games and sports at Atlas Model primary school in Bwera, Kasese district. The winners of the competitions received prizes.

wmuhwezi@yahoo.com

Accessed on Monday 6^th August, from: http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=20199:dutch-to-improve-literacy-levels-in-kasese-&catid=85:education&Itemid=106

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RWECO

Kalangala District Leaders Support Technology for Social Accountability

A Team of CSO representative  on Wednesday 1 August 2012 met  with representative of the District Leadership of Kalangala to discuss issues on  how ICT support citizens access to information and feedback mechanism to strengthened social accountability.

on possible means of transport  to the Kalangala;  ferry in Bukakata and small boats between islands.

This was part of the Social Accountability project  implemented CEW-IT and partners in 25 District of  the 5 regions in Uganda with support from  EU, HIVOS and DGAP (Government of Uganda).

Mr. suliaman (KHRD), Mr. Fedrick (D/CAO), John Silco (RIC-NET), Mr. Bulemezi (A/CAO) not is photo is Rose FHRI

 The team which comprised of Ms Rose Nayondo from Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI), Mr. Ssenyojo Suleiman from Kalangala Human Rights Defenders (KHRD) and Mr. John Silco from RIC-NET had a round table discussion with Ms.  Ssembiya Fausta the District vice Chair Person, Mr.  Wanje Micheal the Deputy CAO and Mr. Balemeezi Fredrick the Principal Assistant Secretary.

The CSO representatives introduced the planned online and offline platforms that will support the District leadership to enhance sharing of timely and credible information.  These includes support for the District website development, the District e-library, the  District bulk sms, hosting leaders on Radio programs, support to District interface meeting  with CSO and the Citizens; conducting  Neighborhood assemblies (Barraza)  and support to citizens feedback platform http://www.citizensvoice.ug  using the 6030 short code.

The team with Ms Fausta (in White) the Vice Chair Person of Kalangala District

 Ms Rose  (FHRI) explaining a point to the  D/CAO  and A/CAO

The Vice Chair Person was impressed with the package but asked the team to stress the radio programs and the Baraza (neighborhood assemblies). She pledged her office support and participation in providing credible information to the citizens.

On his part, the D/CAO was happy with bulk sms support, he believed that this will help his office to offer alerts and reminders to both staff and citizens. He highlighted that another problem in the District is HIV AIDS prevalence believed to be very high. He revealed that out of the 10 suspected rapists or rape victims, 7 have been found HIV+,; so a ration of 7:10 if this group can be taken as a sample.

He raised concern that the citizens’ feedback platform should have a clear verification of reports mechanism to ensure that the citizens’ reports are also credible. The D/ CAO promised District support to ensure that the results of the project are sustained and agreed to fast track the review of the MOU  with FHRI.

Om his part, Mr. Fredrick reported that Kalangala website www.kahangala.co.ug is no longer functional and the support has come at the right time. He revealed that the costs of delivering services in Kalangala  is high since most of the travels are by water which uses twice the fuel used on road transport.

Action needed are: to have  the District input in the MOU within in two weeks,  to start the official process of getting the administrations rights of the domain name, the CSO to start designing the  Mockup site and arrange subsequent visits. 

The struggle to reach the ferry in time otherwise your leave the next day

 The District Vice Chairperson requested for an increase in the number of sub –counties under the Social accountability project and involvement of more citizens. 

She commended the work of FHRI in the District and the local partner KHRD.

On their party, the CSO were very grateful to the willingness of Kalangala District support to the project and hopped that with such support the  citizens voice in social accountability will be pronounced.

Will Inclusive education deliver its intended results Uganda?

The minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Developed Hon. Maria Kiwanuka delivered her second budget speech to a fully packed house on  14^th June, 2012.  The events that unfolded immediately after Hon. Maria Kiwanuka presented the budget speech left many questions un answered. While giving his speech during the budget day, H.E Yoweri MK, the president of the republic of Uganda, was left puzzled by why Uganda was still importing ‘dressed chicken’ while Uganda had all the resources to supply chicken to the market, the other question was why should Ugandans export ‘maize grains’ instead of exporting maize flour or other products. It seems the Minister of Trade, Hon. Amalia Kyampade took note of the presidents concerns. I was in Mwanza, Tanzania during the budget speech, but quickly followed the events on internet and later downloaded the budget speech from the Ministry of Finance website, something that has embraced me to follow events in my country even when miles  away.

Immediately after the budget speech, Uganda joined the rest of the African countries to commemorate the International day of the African Child on 16^th June, 2012 under the theme “THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES: THE RIGHT TO PROTECT, PROMOTE AND FULFILL” I had participated in the preparatory meetings in  Kasese district, Western Uganda but because I had another international assignment, I left but had a mind of following all the events since an IT team had been informed of uploading  the events on the blog and youtube.  Kasese was chosen to host the regional celebrations for the Rwenzori Region covering seven district of Kasese, Kabarole, Kamwenge, Kyejonjo, Ntoroko, Kyegegwa and Bundibugyo. I also followed the events on a blog story provided by Rwenzori peoples’ voice: http://rwecovoice.blogspot.com/2012/06/plight-of-vulnerable-children.html and you tube. Indeed, 16^th June, 2012 will remain a memorable day in the lives of the pupils who participated in commemorating the international day of the African Child  in Kasese district.

Figuur 1. Andrew Bwambale of Rukoki Model P Sch. Kasese district

Being a concerned and patriotic citizen, I watched the video and followed up the activities and made phone calls to some participants to find out the conditions of the pupils that show cased their skills at the celebrations. One of the pupils that I followed was Andrew Bwambale (12) a P.4 pupils at Rukoki Model school. I made a phone call to the head teacher to find out how she manages to train the pupils, the government contribution and other requirements for such pupils.  The head teacher, Rukoki Model Primary School, was frank to say that, Andrew was a determined pupil ready to confront any challenges in his education career but was challenged to get the necessary support to see him through his dreams of education. I hanged up and reflected back on the budget which Hon. Maria Kiwanuka presented few days back before celebrating the Day of the African Child. I browsed through the budget: Section C, 63:

“Madam Speaker, the education sector has the largest share of our national budget with a total provision increasing from Shs 1,418 billion  in the current financial year to Shs 1,669 billion in the next financial  year. This amounts to 17% of the total budget. The sector provision will  also cater for salary increases for Primary School Teachers and Science  Teachers in Post O-Level institutions. I have allocated Shs. 290 billion  for teachers, scientists and other civil servants”.

Kasese district only allocated UGX 1.5Million to sports and Music in the 2012/13 budget

But what did the head teacher share with me “ Andrew lacks support, he has no wheel chair, he has lost his limbs, but determined to study, I call upon members of the civil society to support this boy” I wondered whether the government proposal of inclusive education will  deliver to the expectations of such pupils like Andrew who are struggling amidst all odds to keep in school. Surprisingly, when I observed Andrew in the photo above, it shows how such pupils are capable of joining the job market and compete with the rest of the skilled labour force that we currently have. As a pro-poor analyst, I checked the Kasese district budget that was approved by council on 24th July of which Ugx 5bn out of Ugx 41bn was allocated to the education sector, but surprisingly only Ugx 1.500,000/ had been allocated to sports and music. I am still left puzzled like my senior citizen Mze. HE Yoweri KM who could not believe that Ugandans still import chicken despite the God given environment that is good for agriculture and poultry rearing. Can Ugx. 1.5m deliver the district sports team to national standards, what about the likes of Andrew who needed special consideration which was not reflected in both the district and national budgets? 

Its time now for Ugandans to see where we put our priorities, the education sector was ranked to take the biggest part of the national budget, who will benefit from this budget? While, Uganda was proud to present success stories in the Universal Primary Education program with enrolment now at 8,098,177 ( Education Statistical Abstract, 2011), the challenge is still what are our priorities if we must attain the education goal of providing relevant quality education to all Ugandans. Will Andrew and his friends benefit from this if inclusive education is top on the agenda? I believe, affirmative action  was the best to children with disabilities. Take the case of sanitary facilities at most of the schools, whereas, government policy is clear on these elements of disability but how much has been achieved to cater for individual disabilities even within the cluster of children with disability. Let us not shy away from the truth, if we keep making blanket statements, our children who are disadvantaged will not see the benefits of Education for all.

I have keenly followed the trends in the reports of the presidential special committee investing the abuse of Universal Primary Education and Secondary Education, colossal sums of money has been put to waste! Who is to blame?  Mr. Moses Byaruhanga, Senior Presidential Advisor, has questioned why our MPs are taking all their time to debate the succession question ( see newvison August 2, 2012).  I want to share with  Mr. Moses Byaruhanga that debating is good for our young generation and politicians. If the public had not been questioning the delivery of services, President Yoweri MK could not have known about the gaps in the Naads , Education and Health sectors. Let us give room for debate and question government to look beyond figures,  if these figures can be  translated into facts. I will ask also another question to the minister of Finance. Hon. Maria Kiwanuka, will the Andrews of this Uganda benefit from the 17% budget allocation to the education sector if you don’t allocate  special needs education specific budget that can be tracked?

The resource envelope for the Ugandan budget 2012/13 is enough if government ensures that leakages within the delivery systems are blocked. According to the world bank report, Uganda loses close to Ugx. 500bn per annum in contracts gone bad. Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba, while presenting at the launch of the activities  to mark 50 years of Uganda’s independence was quick to say “ let us make corruption a risk venture instead of glorifying the corrupt”  how many children with disability would benefit from Ugx. 162bn that was awarded to one individual, or even the recent scam in the Office of the Prime Minister. Ugandans what has gone wrong, the world is not about to end. Play your part, tomorrow is there for us. While its clear that those in position of leadership are not in touch with the realities in the country side, Uganda is there for us all to enjoy despite  our status. My message is, after 50 years of independence can we give a chance to the likes of “Andrew to live” and take part in the development agenda of our country Uganda.

Jimmy Baluku Odyek

Poverty and Policy Analyst and works with Rwenzori Consortium for Civic Competence
Kasese, Western Uganda.