From Apathy to Action: Namukasa Jane’s Journey of Civic Transformation.
The story of Namukasa Jane is one of personal transformation, a journey of mindset change shaped by civic engagement efforts. Living in Bugabwe village, Bulubandi Parish, Nakigo Sub-County in Iganga District, the 50-year-old NRM mobilizer and civic mentor shares how her views on leadership, community participation, and governance have evolved over time. Her journey underscores the power of participation in governance and development initiatives, as a means of personal growth and as a driver of broader community impact.
Before participating in the Topowa meetings organized by FABIO, Namukasa reflects on her earlier attitudes and actions. She describes herself as selfish, prioritizing personal and family gain in government programs at the expense of community development. This behavior earned her resentment from her community, ultimately leading her to withdraw from community engagements altogether. She even discouraged others from participating in programs that could have benefited them. Disillusioned by electoral discrepancies she observed, Namukasa had also grown weary of elections, disengaging from a process she once believed in.
Everything began to change when she was encouraged to attend a Topowa meeting. Through civic education sessions facilitated by Mr. Mulondo Owen, a civic mentor, Namukasa began to understand the critical role of citizens in fostering democracy and accountability. These discussions opened her eyes to her potential to influence her community positively. With this newfound perspective, she started leveraging her role as an NRM mobilizer to facilitate conversations between community members and leaders.
Namukasa took the initiative to re-engage her community in supporting a stalled project that aimed to provide free public Wi-Fi in exchange for community contributions. Once indifferent to the project, she now worked tirelessly to mobilize the community, recognizing the long-term benefits for children who could access educational resources through improved internet access. Today, the project is progressing, and the Wi-Fi facility is providing free internet to children for their studies.
Namukasa’s personal growth has inspired others in her community to embrace civic responsibilities. As a Civic Mentor, she has re-engaged many individuals who had grown apathetic towards elections and community gatherings. Her efforts have bridged gaps between the governed and governing, promoting dialogue and collaboration that was once absent. Namukasa now appreciates the significance of active participation in elections and community initiatives, understanding that such engagement impacts service delivery for all, regardless of political affiliations.
Through her involvement in FABIO’s initiatives, Namukasa has transformed her own outlook and reignited hope and unity in her community. Her journey highlights the importance of platforms like Topowa meetings, which empower individuals with the tools and knowledge to become agents of change. Namukasa’s renewed commitment to civic responsibility continues to positively influence her community, offering a powerful example of how one person’s transformation can lead to collective progress.
This story was made possible through the civic education efforts of SCENE and FABIO, whose initiatives continue to empower communities by promoting democracy, accountability, and inclusivity.
