Rukiga Forum for Development (RUFODE) is a nonprofit community based organization working in Kigezi sub region, south western Uganda to promote the respect of human rights, advocating for independent media, freedom of expression and association. RUFODE works to agitate for increased citizen’s participation in a democratic society. RUFODE works in six districts of Kabale, Rubanda, Rukiga, Kisoro, Kanungu and Rukungiri.
RUFODE organises training workshops aimed at training media practitioners to stick to the professional code of ethics, advocating for their rights, training them in physical and digital security. RUFODE works to raise awareness about freedom of expression and tolerance of criticism by using media campaigns.
RUFODE organizes peaceful demonstrations to demand for freedom of expression, good governance and independent media in Uganda.
Rukiga Forum for Development (RUFODE) works for protection of freedom of expression which is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of a democratic society. Many times, journalists in Kigezi sub region are silenced by state actors like the Resident District Commissioners, Police commanders, and District Internal Security Officers acts which under mines the freedoms of expression.
OUR VISION
To have a society that is free to share information and express a wide range of ideas, opinions and political views without any interference from authorities.
OUR MISSION
To promote democratic governance and respect of human rights in Uganda and beyond using a free and independent media.
OUR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Rukiga Forum for Development (RUFODE) shall work to attain the following objectives.
1.To advocate for free and independent media that provides accurate information.
2. To strengthen the freedom of expression and safety of media professionals.
3. To advocate for the promotion and respect of human rights in Uganda.
4. To conduct civic education in Uganda.
5. To agitate for increased citizen participation in a democratic society in Uganda.
OUR CORE VALUES
All the staff of Rukiga Forum for Development (RUFODE) are driven by the following core values
1. Gender equality: RUFODE recognizes the sensitivity of promoting gender equality in its programs. RUFODE is highly committed in using its power as a media organization to advocate for gender equality at all levels of society and institutions.
2. Accountability and Transparency: Holding Ugandan leaders accountable is one of Rufode’s activities. RUFODE also pays particular attention to its own accountability in all its activities, including financial management, and accepts responsibility for them in front of all its partners. Rufode promises to continue pursuing accountability from leaders not performing as expected.
3.Independence: RUFODE not only wants to provide Uganda citizens with neutral and unbiased information but also acts as an independent organization itself, free from any form and origin of influence. RUFODE’s independence gives us the authority we need to effectively make real change happen.
4.Professionalism: RUFODE believes that strengthening professionalism in journalistic practices in Uganda requires paying particular attention to ethical principles. For RUFODE, building the capacities of journalists, starting with its own, is also a way to provide Ugandan citizens with information of true quality.