Activities
Holding quarterly dialogues and radio programmes to garner views of the populace. Issue and publicize reports. In the year four activities were planned but one done due to financial shortcomings. Cobra/ police public meeting in Lira municipal hall.
CHALLENGES
The major challenge stems from the negative attitude of the public office bearers who do not respond to invitations for either compliance or guidance over the overture. More still the expectations to be paid for attending such a function makes the undertaking overbearingly costly for us. This programme needs some Hugh financial support from willing partners and donors.
LEGAL SERVICES AND SUPPORT TO THE ABUSED
It is our hope to promote sustainable access to justice for the poor, the vulnerable and the victims of corruption. We will also advocate for the best practices in both areas. We shall endeavor to:
- Link justice seekers to all through pro bono legal assistance.
- Carry out Public interest litigation and legislative advocacy
IMPLEMENTATION
The campaign to promote sustainable access to justice and advocate for corruption-free practices in the administration of justice will involve; research, litigation, reference for pro-bono legal aid services for the poor and vulnerable persons, inmates, suspects in prison and police cells, capacity building for communities and tracing of prisoners. COBRA will also join in the advocacy for legislative reforms in policies and practices for humane public service delivery.
THE OTUKE DPC IN A KEY-INFOMANT SESSION.
LEGAL SERVICES DESK
The desk for legal services aim at promoting sustainable access to justice for the poor, vulnerable and deprived persons. It also advocates for equitable access to justice for all in the process and administration of justice. The main activities will cover among others:
- Linkage to pro bono services
- Seek to provide help to those in detention through paralegal services.
- Take up public interest matters for litigation.
- Engage in advocacy for corruption free processes and administration of justice.
IMPLEMENTATION
The campaign to promote sustainable access and advocacy for best practices in the administration of justice will involve research, strategic litigation, pro bono legal aid services to all .Those in prison and police cells will be monitored for assistance. Capacity building for inmates and the communities will be taken up.
ACTIVITIES.
To provide pro bono services to 200 clients. Produce a documentary film on conditions and corrupt practices that hamper justice delivery in Lira District.
THE CAO OTUKE RESPONDS AS A KEY INFORMANT.
CAPACITY BUILDING
OBJECTIVE
The overall objective of this program is intended to build the civic capacity of the community entities existing as seasonal or cultural ones. This is intended to promote participation in governance for bolder engagement in the decentralized governance for effective service delivery. The areas to be covered will be
- For local councils one and two.
- Local entities e.g farmer ,drama and music groups
- The community based organizations.
IMPLEMENTATION
COBRA has all along held trainings activities as part of the response to reported cases of irregularities. Where requests were made we have carried out activities suitably tailored to meet the scope of the concerns the particular communities.
PLANED ACTIVITIES
COBRA plans to carry out ten training activities in the Divisions of Lira Municipality.
Other activities will be as a response to the received cases of irregularities received. Requests received will also be attended to
CHALLENGES.
The need for training is overwhelming and requires resources in the form of funds and trainers. The community expectations of out of pocket allowances hinder the scope and coverage of this program. There will be need to upscale the trainings and outreach to more communities by partnership
COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION.
OBJECTIVE
COBRA’s success in fighting all forms of injustices depends on the efficient information flow between the office, the agents and the whistle blowers. For this to be effective, promotion of and handling communication systems are paramount. The areas to be taken up will be;
- Equipping the agents with mobile phones.
- Opening and publicizing suitable mobile phone numbers for public use for reporting irregularities and concerns.
- Publicizing the toll free numbers available for reporting issues to specific authorities.
- Raise and erect bill-boards for public awareness of corruption.
IMPLEMENTATION
Within the framework of the communication and information desk, a library for books, reports , pamphlets and brochures is maintained. This meant for the use of the staff and members of the public. An internet connection is also available
PLANNED ACTIVITIES
COBRA plans to produce brochures to build its image as an emerging force in the struggle against injustices. It will hold quarterly press-meetings, weekly radio talk shows and provide responses to reported irregularities In order to provide a resource centre of repute it will be vital to appeal to partners and donors that can cooperate with us.
CHALLENGES
A lot needs to be done in view of the overwhelming importance of efficient communication and information. Particular attention must be drawn towards joining in the ICT efforts and take advantage of the present drive to promote the same .
