Communities Register Success following Training in Participatory Approach for Development

Ugandans have been urged to take charge of their own development, leveraging local resources and initiatives to improve their livelihoods. 

Speaking at a function to celebrate the outcomes of a community participation approach project, Kyenjojo Deputy Resident District Commissioner Thaddeo Kasaija emphasized the importance of community-led development. He noted that while government support is crucial, communities must also take initiative to solve their own problems and drive their own development.

“By taking ownership of their development, Ugandans can improve access to basic services, increase economic opportunities, and create a better future for themselves and their families,” Kasaija said during the public validation screening of the success stories of the Participatory Action Research (PAR) by Twaweza East Africa in partnership with Ride Africa at Bufunjo Sub Country headquarters in Kyenjojo district.

The PAR project, piloted in five districts including Rubanda, Kyenjojo, Kamuli, Kole, and Namtumba, has achieved notable success. According to Judith Nakayima, Programs Officer at Twaweza East Africa, the project has empowered communities to address critical issues. In Rubanda, for instance, the community came together to resolve a flooding problem at Kaato Primary School.

Through village meetings, they opened up drainages, allowing water to flow and enabling children to attend school even during heavy rains. The community also secured support from their sub-county to bring in excavators to clear debris and further improve drainage.

Additionally, the community addressed a water crisis by writing to the Kigezi diocese, which rehabilitated a wellspring, providing access to clean water. This and other success stories demonstrate the impact of community-led development initiatives.

Clever Muhangi, a change agent with the Literacy Action and Development Agency (LADA), an indigenous NGO working in partnership with Twaweza, shared his experience from Mushanje Village in Rubanda district. 

“We used to wait for government officials to solve our problems, but after engaging with LADA through their workshops, we found out ways to help ourselves,” said Muhangi during the screening of the success stories of the PAR model in Rubanda. 

He added, “We realized that whatever the problem is, we shouldn’t wait for the government to solve it. We should first try to solve the problem, then the government comes in later where we have failed.” 

Through this approach, the community has been able to address challenges such as soil erosion and school dropouts, making significant progress in improving their livelihoods.