RUFODE works to build and sustain a democratic, well-governed state that responds to the needs of its growing population. RUFODE aims to strengthen democracy and governance systems and help make them more accountable. RUFODE’s program also assists in making the voices of marginalized people heard—particularly women and youth—and shapes the role of civil society in governance. This kind of inclusive approach ensures that citizens enjoy a participatory style of governance and leaders benefit from the views of constituents.
RUFODE works to build the capacity of Uganda’s multi-party Parliament and local governments, strengthening their ability to provide public services and respond to citizen needs. RUFODE activities have enabled Parliament members to interact directly with local government and civil society leaders on critical legal and policy issues.
The program contributes to advancing and protecting socio-economic development through support to national-level and grass-roots structures that uphold respect for human rights and rule of law in Uganda. As regards legal structures, the program works with the judiciary to contribute to judicial independence and partners with civil society to strengthen human rights advocacy and uphold media freedoms in Uganda. The main goal is to cultivate a more legitimate rule of law framework and safeguard human rights by infusing approaches that allow for meaningful participation and inclusion of women, youth, persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups and strengthening of local institutions contributing to local ownership and local solutions.
RUFODE’s programs also help local governments carry out community initiatives by fostering participatory development planning and improving the operations of multiparty local councils. As a result, citizens are participating more actively in local government planning and budgeting processes, leading to more open and transparent approval and execution of district budgets. RUFODE’S training has helped local governments assess their progress and identify development priorities in line with those at the national level.
According to the Corruption Perception Index by Transparency International for 2023, Uganda scored 26 out of 100 and ranked 141 out of 180 countries in terms of corruption. Corruption is one of the major obstacles, that are undermines Uganda’s social economic development. Although substantial investments have been made to combat corruption in Uganda, it continues to impose wide ranging costs on the society. Corruption leads to loss of trust in government, poor infrastructure, delays in project implementation, low investments and poor social service delivery and loss of life.
RUFODE has been playing an important role in demanding accountability from governments and serving as a link between citizens and decision-makers.
RUFDE works to drive policy reforms, generate evidence, provide technical expertise and capacity-building in the fight against corruption. RUFODE uses the open civic space, and supports the press for investigating, corruption cases. At times RUFODE uses the Strategic litigation approach in the fight against corruption.