By Arinda Nsheeka Wilfred
Poor service delivery has been attributed to lack of public participation in government projects being implemented in their communities.
According to Sarah Faguet the programs officer African freedom for information center (AFIC) this has resulted in poor alignment to citizens’ needs and ability to monitor government spending on projects targeting them.
Faguet assured that when citizens are involved in governance, government become accountable and responsible.
She made the remarks on Thursday during the closure of non residential 2 day training on the right to access to information and sectoral laws on public procurement including access to proactively disclosed information held at Jerusalem Trees Ntungamo Municipality.
The training which was organized by African freedom for information center (AFIC) in partnership with the South Western Institute for Policy and Advocacy (SOWIPA) was aimed at public procurement information disclosure and data needs of the various stakeholders involved in public contracting.
The 18 months improving social service delivery through open contracting in Uganda project which started last month is being implemented in six districts of Kabale, Kanungu, Mbarara, Ntungamo, Nebbi and Pakwach and it will end in January 2020.
Faguet also tasked all civil society organizations (COSs) to cooperate sensitize the public on their roles and responsibilities about government projects in their areas.
The Executive director African freedom for information center (AFIC) Gilbert Sendugwa said there is need for strengthening information sharing on all contracts between government agencies and the citizens if the current trend of shoddy works and misuse of public funds is to be reduced.
While giving vote of thanks, the officer from South Western Institute for Policy and Advocacy (SOWIPA argued civil servants to ensure open contracting and provide information to the public for proper projects monitoring.
The training was attended by CSOs, Media, civic and political leaders within Ntungamo District.
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