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The Democracy Torch has been designed to serve as symbol for use in mobilising citizens and leaders and drawing their attention to issues of democratic governance and accountability. It is part of the project: “Action for Strengthening Good Governance and Accountability in Uganda”, which is being supported by the European Union (EU) through the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, under the Democratic Governance and Accountability Programme (DGAP). Following the launch, the torch will be sent out from Kampala and passed on to all the districts where the project is implemented namely: Arua, Lira, Pader, Kabale, Kisoro, Mbarara, Masaka, Kiboga, Jinja, Palisa and Soroti.
What is the Democracy Torch?
The Democracy Torch is part of a campaign for popularising and demystifying democratic
principles, good governance and accountability at the local level. It draws inspiration from the
Olympic Torch (in the sports fraternity). The Torch (which carries a burning flame) is a
symbol for mobilising citizens and leaders towards a deeper appreciation of and – at the same
time – showing commitment to the values of democracy, good governance and accountability.
It is sculptured in Uganda using local materials and by a Ugandan artist.
How will the Torch be applied?
As a kick-off, the torch will be launched in a solemn send-out ceremony due to take place in
the capital, Kampala on 18th July 2012. At this function, national and district level actors in
promoting democracy, good governance and accountability will be represented. The event will
also act as the commissioning of a campaign to popularise democratic principals at the local
level, which among others includes a mobile exhibition on topics related to democracy.
Following the launch, the torch will be passed on in a sequence (i.e., from one district to
another) across the 11 districts where the KAS-ACFODE project is being implemented. The
districts are: Arua, Lira, Pader, Kabale, Kisoro, Mbarara, Masaka, Kiboga, Jinja, Palisa and
Soroti.
In each district, the torch will be received during a large public event dubbed the Democracy
Fair. Local government leaders, central government representatives, civil society actors,
local citizens and all agencies involved in the governance processes in the district shall be
represented at this occasion.
The district chairperson will receive the torch and by this shall deliver a statement outlining
the local government’s commitment and action areas for strengthening democracy, good
governance and accountability in the district.
At the same occasion other governance actors including local government service
departments, the police, electoral commission, human rights commission, inspectorate of
government, civil society organisations will be given the opportunity to showcase their roles
and achievements in promoting democracy, good governance and accountability. KAS and
ACFODE will also enhance this activity with a display of a movable democracy exhibition. The
event will be complemented with music, dance and drama.
