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A Regional Conference on Citizen Engagement in Local
Governance for LogoLink East Africa was held from 19th - 25th June 2005,
in Mukono district, Uganda. The conference, attended by 27 participants
from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda provided a forum for the East Africa LogoLink
Partners to promote understanding of the concept of engagement and participatory
practices and its role in good governance. It also enabled the partners
to share knowledge about the practice of citizens engagement in local
governance across the region and across sectors.
Main issues discussed
In-depth discussions sought answers to such questions like; what is citizens
engagement and why is it important (definitions, values, globalisation
impacts etc), what is being done and where is the leadership coming from
(case studies, shared learning)? What "works" - how, when and
why does engagement add value? What are the theoretical frameworks underpinning
this work? Who is doing this work and what are the capacity building needs?
How can we do better? And what is the evidence base/evaluation activity
that will help us to learn and improve?
Field visits
Participants had the opportunity to visit two sites, one in Nakasongola
district where they shared and learnt about the work of the Community
Development Resource Network (CDRN), a LogoLink Partner with the sub county
local government as well as with the communities. They also visited the
Uganda Media Women's Association (UMWA), a women's media organisation
that uses the media to create opportunities for citizens engagement with
the local authorities and participation in local government planning,
budgeting and monitoring processes.
Future LogoLink commitments in the region
As a way forward, participants agreed to continue promoting LogoLink as
a platform for sharing and learning. Like the Uganda partners, those from
Kenya and Tanzania agreed to establish reflection centres for further
debate and dialogue in their countries. They also agreed to organise country
based learning events that would help them contribute towards the different
governance related demands in their countries.
For further information on this activity, contact DENIVA
at logolink@deniva.or.ug
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