Civic Engagement Shapes Leadership and Participation in Kibuku District.
Following several engagements with district leaders on constitutional and electoral reforms in Kibuku District, Bukedi region, a Council meeting was held on 28th March 2024. During the meeting, council members unanimously agreed to continuously deliberate on issues arising from citizens’ community meetings, especially those around service delivery and electoral reforms. The Community Based Services committee in particular, was tasked to scrutinize the regional issue brief, action matrix and analyse the citizens’ proposals.
Under rule 27(6) of the rules of procedure of council sittings, the District Speaker referred the motion to the 6th council meeting that was held on 28th June 2024. The committee report was presented as indicated in the attached council order paper. The council elected to improve key services through including them in the district FY 2024/25. They include, but are not limited to; Construction of a placenta pit at the maternity unit of Bukweri HC II, renovation of the Buseeta main road and construction of more sanitary facilities at Kagumu Primary School to curb the drop out rates of the girl-child.
The Council acknowledged that majority of the reforms like; banning monetized campaigns and reducing the number of Members of Parliament required change in legislation at Parliamentary level. They committed to engaging their regional MPs on the same.
Change Statement
“My name is Wenene David from Kagumu Sub County, Kibuku District, Bukedi Sub Region. I am a male member of the Kagumu Young Mothers’ Group. Growing up, I believed that voting was for big-bellied elderly men only. I barely saw any young people either contesting for leadership or actually going to vote. The Topowa meetings have opened my eyes. Every vote counts. To think that my single vote really determines who gets elected is the most powerful thing for me. For the first time in 2026, I am determined to vote. Not only will I vote, but also contest as a youth councillor in my sub county. Whether I lose or not, my motto is now Topowa!”
This story was made possible through the SCENE civic engagement efforts of FOWODE, whose initiatives continue to empower communities by promoting democracy, accountability, and inclusivity.
