Building local Democracy

MS Uganda facilitates its partners to politically empower citizens to participate and influence local government. this entails supporting ordinary citiezens (especially women and youth) to engage with public policy in order to ensure that their needs are catered for in local government programmes. All citizens, including reprensentatives from local government will be encouraged to participate in a wide range of civic education programmes (through face to face meetings and via media broadcasts). In order to make local government more accountable, MS Uganda will support civil society organisations to perform a 'watchdog' role with the aim of improving the quality of service delivery. 50% of all MS Uganda resources in 2008 - 2011 are allocated to building local democracy.

The overall development objective
Increased attainment of human capabilities and political rights by the poor and marginalised citizens, particularly youth and women, leading to improved livelihoods.

Immediate objectives to be pursued in six districts by the end of 2011:
* 10% of citizens, in particular youth and women knowledgeable about democratic principles, and able to inclreasingly participate in, and infuluence local democratic processes
* Local government will be more transparent in the delivery of equitable and locally determined services
* Equal opportunities and gender equality will be reflected in local government plans and budgets and institutional practices

The Six districts
Koboko, Apac, Masindi, Iganga, Bukedea and Nakapiripit. The possibility of up-scaling to other districts exists during the course of implementation.

**************************************************************