By Richard Onapatum
Kotido District — Women in Kotido have stepped forward with renewed determination, raising their voices to demand improved public services and greater accountability from duty bearers in a bold display of grassroots activism.
This was evident during a recent interface meeting held in Kacheri Sub-county, where over 100 women leaders and group members from Kapeta and Kacheri convened with local government officials and members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The engagement, organised by Nakere Rural Women Activists under the Women’s Amplified Voices for Accountability (WAVA) Project, created a rare but crucial platform for direct dialogue between citizens and leaders.
The meeting followed a community-led monitoring exercise in schools and health facilities, where women documented a range of service delivery challenges affecting their communities. Among the key concerns raised were persistent shortages of essential medicines, poor road infrastructure, and limited access to safe and clean water sources.
Participants shared personal accounts that underscored the gravity of the situation, with many noting that vulnerable groups,particularly mothers and children continue to bear the brunt of these gaps.
“We found that mothers are still walking long distances to access basic health services, and sometimes the health centres have no drugs,” said Chilla Anna, Chairperson of the Kapeta Women Network.
The testimonies sparked frank discussions, with duty bearers acknowledging the concerns and pledging to take corrective measures. District officials admitted that service delivery gaps remain a challenge, citing resource limitations and delays in implementing government programmes.
“We appreciate the monitoring work done by the women groups. These findings help us understand where the gaps are, and we are committed to addressing them progressively,” said Nyanga Fredrick Emmanuel, who represented the Chief Administrative Officer.
Members of the Public Accounts Committee welcomed the initiative, noting that citizen-generated evidence strengthens oversight and promotes responsible use of public resources. PAC Chairperson Loboke Henry emphasised that such engagements are essential in ensuring that leaders remain accountable to the communities they serve.
Beyond immediate service delivery issues, the dialogue also revealed broader governance concerns, including weak supervision of government projects, delays in implementation, and limited monitoring at lower local government levels.
Organisers highlighted that empowering women to actively participate in governance processes is proving to be a powerful tool in bridging the gap between communities and decision-makers. Through initiatives like the WAVA Project, women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in monitoring public services and advocating for change.
Okongo Patrick Michael, Project Officer at NARWOA, noted that the project continues to strengthen grassroots advocacy by equipping communities with the knowledge and tools needed to demand transparency and accountability.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to action, including follow-up visits by district technical teams to verify reported gaps and continued engagement through regular interface dialogues. Community monitoring structures are also expected to be strengthened to ensure sustained oversight at the grassroots level.
For many participants, the Kacheri meeting marked more than just a dialogue,it signaled a shift in power dynamics, where the voices of the marginalised are no longer ignored but are actively shaping the conversation around service delivery and governance in Kotido District.
