Swedish Embassy Applauds Local NGO Efforts in Choma

In February 2024, a delegation from the Swedish Embassy visited Choma to understand firsthand how local NGO initiatives are enhancing citizen participation in governance processes.

During their visit, the Swedish Embassy team engaged in enlightening discussions with key stakeholders. Among them were the Mayor of Choma, representatives from the local authority, and Ubunthu. Together, they delved into the pivotal role played by NGOs like Ubunthu in equipping citizens with the tools and knowledge to actively engage in governance processes.

The meeting discussed how NGOs like Ubunthu are teaching people to watch how public money is used, especially the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), to make sure it’s not being misused. This helps keep officials accountable and builds trust.

Discussions revolved around future partnerships in strengthening monitoring mechanisms for CDF projects and enhancing the participation of women in local governance structures. Recognizing the invaluable contributions of women, the emphasis was placed on building their capacity to assume leadership roles within Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and other pivotal platforms.

Through synergistic partnerships between local authorities, NGOs, and international stakeholders, strides are being made towards empowering citizens and amplifying their voices in the governance arena.