As communities continue to look to local governments for better services, BACHO-K founder Akiiki Apolo is calling attention to the gap between available public funds and the needs of ordinary people. Following a budget conference in Bwambara sub county today, which he attended in person, Akiki pledged support for selected projects.
Having followed discussions on community priorities, he said the available resources appeared insufficient to implement even half of the planned projects.
“The money is very little. It cannot even do 50 percent of the projects according to their priorities,” Apolo said.
But rather than simply point out the funding gaps, the BACHO founder said his organisation is going to contribute towards addressing some of the needs identified during the budget conference.
One of the commitments is the construction of a toilet facility at Rweshama Fish Landing Site, following a request by the parish chief.
Akiiki also identified a need at Kikanga Primary School, where girls reportedly lack a dedicated changing room for use during menstruation.
He said BACHO will engage the school administration, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), teachers and pupils before determining how to support.
The consultations would help the organisation establish the most appropriate way to provide a room where girls can change comfortably and maintain their dignity while at school.
BACHO’s proposed interventions reflect the role community-based organisations can play in identifying practical needs and complementing government efforts.
The organisation’s wider work is associated with community welfare, education, health, support for vulnerable children and cultural preservation in southwestern Uganda.
Attending the budget conference was therefore not just an opportunity to observe how public resources are planned. It was also an opportunity for the BACHO-K executive director to identify areas where his organisation could make a direct contribution.
[BACHO- Banyabutumbi Cultural Heritage Organisation ]
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