JamiiTalks
JF Advocacy Team
- Aug 7, 2018
- 685
- 1,124
Habari Wakuu,
Leo Novemba 8, 2024 ikiwa ni siku ya pili ya Media Week Uganda, JamiiForums imeandaa mjadala kuhusu Ushiriki wa Wananchi katika kuleta Mabadiliko ya Kijamii.
Ungana nasi hapa tukiletea matuko yote kama yatavyojiri:
Discussion: Harnessing Technology for Civic Empowerment: Evaluating the effectiveness of Technology Driven Citizen Participation
Media’s Role in Amplifying Citizen Voices
Moderator Ben Mwine opened the floor by asking the panelists how media can integrate into citizen-led initiatives to amplify their efforts. He highlighted that the media’s role in bridging the gap between communities and the authorities is crucial. This is especially important in light of the challenges many citizens face in reaching out to those in power. By using media platforms effectively, citizens can raise important issues, such as corruption, lack of resources, or poor governance, and hold leaders accountable. The moderator also underscored that media should not just view its role from a business perspective but also take responsibility for fostering community growth and development.
Twaweza on Engagement with Local Media
David Mugurusi from Twaweza East Africa discussed the organization's efforts to collaborate with both local and community media outlets to support their civic engagement programs. He emphasized that Twaweza has been deliberate in its effort to work closely with the media to amplify community concerns and bridge the gap between citizens and government authorities. He pointed out that many community issues, especially those that require attention from higher authorities, cannot be solved by the community alone. As a result, the media plays a critical role in helping to bring these issues to light, ensuring that they reach those in power who can address them.
David further discussed Twaweza’s role in providing communities with the necessary tools to advocate for their rights and demands. He explained how communities have come to recognize the media as an ally in raising awareness about pressing issues. He also highlighted the significance of local media in ensuring that the concerns of citizens are taken seriously and acted upon by the government.
Twaweza’s Access to Information Program
David went on to explain how Twaweza has worked on enhancing access to information for communities. One of the key initiatives Twaweza has supported is the creation of the Access to Information Guide for Civil Servants, which was co-developed with the Ministry of ICT, the Africa Freedom of Information Center (AFIC), and Twaweza itself. This guide aims to provide both civil servants and the public with an understanding of their roles in facilitating access to information and the benefits that come with it. David emphasized that citizens, when approaching government offices with specific requests, need to have concrete information to make their case stronger.
For instance, when a community demands the establishment of a health center, they need to understand the existing health facility standards, such as the required levels of health centers at various administrative tiers (e.g., village, sub-county, and district levels). Twaweza trains community members to access this information, either from government websites or district officials, so they can make informed requests.
By training both citizens and government officials, Twaweza aims to create a two-way flow of information that empowers citizens to demand what they are entitled to and ensures that local leaders are prepared to address these concerns effectively.
Moderator’s Reflection on Tanzania and Uganda
The moderator, Ben Mwine, then shared his observations based on his visits to Tanzania, noting that the Tanzanian government appeared more organized and responsive compared to his own country's (Uganda) government. Although he acknowledged the challenges, he suggested that Tanzania seemed to be making progress in managing civic engagement and government-citizen communication more effectively.
He asked Ziada from JamiiForums to share her experience regarding the government's response to their platform, especially considering that JamiiForums has been a vocal advocate for citizens' rights, which can sometimes be perceived as a threat by the government.
Jamii Forums on Engagement with Government
Ziada Seukindo from Jamii Forums shared the platform’s journey in building a relationship with the Tanzanian government. She started by acknowledging the compliment but also emphasized that both governments, when compared on a scale, have their own strengths and weaknesses. She described JamiiForums’ early relationship with the Tanzanian government as “rocky,” especially between 2016 and 2020, when the platform was involved in legal battles over data protection issues. The government at that time was keen on identifying the individuals behind certain posts, particularly those unveiling sensitive information, which created tension.
However, Ziada explained that over time, Jamii Forums found a way to engage constructively with the government. Instead of focusing on identifying the individuals behind critical posts, JamiiForums shifted the conversation to the importance of addressing the issues raised. She suggested that the government could focus on responding to the concerns presented by citizens, such as corruption or mismanagement, rather than targeting individuals. This shift in strategy helped JamiiForums foster a more cooperative relationship with certain government officials.
Ziada went on to explain how they found “champions” within the government—individuals who recognized the value of responding to citizens’ concerns and saw the positive impact of engaging with online platforms. Once one government official began to see the benefits of responding to citizen concerns, they would share their experiences with other leaders, leading to a growing number of supporters within the government. This helped Jamii Forums gain more traction and acceptance among government officials.
Shifting Perceptions of Online Citizens
Ziada also reflected on how the perception of online citizens has evolved. Initially, there was a narrative that online citizens were not "real" citizens, with many government officials treating them as if they existed in a separate "cloud" realm, disconnected from the actual population. However, over time, the government has come to acknowledge that online citizens are indeed part of the broader Tanzanian public, with opinions and concerns that matter. This shift in perspective has allowed for more meaningful engagement between the government and citizens online.
Ziada concluded by highlighting how JamiiForums supports government officials who are champions of digital engagement by providing them with the skills to use digital platforms effectively and engage with citizens in a more constructive manner. This, she believes, will continue to strengthen the relationship between the government and its citizens.
Adapting to Media Disruption
Morris from BBS Terefayina, a traditional media outlet in Uganda, added to the discussion by highlighting the disruption in traditional media practices and emphasized the importance of adapting to the changing landscape. He argued that traditional media must recognize that "not every story or initiative is for financial gain, but may be aimed at empowering citizens". He pointed out that many media houses hesitate to cover stories if there’s no financial benefit, which limits engagement with citizens. "How do we engage with citizens from this perspective, simply because it’s not financially advantageous for them?" he asked, stressing that the real disruption is the shift in how media operates.
Morris further discussed the evolving role of technology in media, noting that "the way we package the message, how we deliver it, and how it’s transmitted to the receiver has evolved". He explained that, in today's era, the receiver has a tool to engage, which means media must adapt their messaging to the tools people use, such as social media platforms. He also addressed concerns about AI in journalism, urging the need to "adapt to these disruptions" and make use of new technologies like ChatGPT, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that stories remain factually accurate to maintain trust.
Opportunity in Underutilized Platforms for Citizen Engagement
Ben Mwine, the moderator, pointed out the underutilization of platforms like TikTok in citizen engagement. He asked the audience how many people engage with TikTok or other short-form video platforms like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Stories, noting that while 95% engage with short videos online, there was "only one person" who had seen content related to local leaders on these platforms. He emphasized that this represents an opportunity for media to better engage with the public.
Grassroots Media Engagement
Doreen commended the efforts to engage with grassroots communities and bridge the gap between citizens and leaders. She suggested applying the governance model to media by having local councils (LC1) create newsletters to share information, ensuring "authenticity" and preventing corruption as it moves up the chain of communication.
Bridging the Access to Information Gap
Ivan Lukanda from Makerere University contributed thoughtfully to the ongoing discussion, bringing attention to an important issue related to the effectiveness of training individuals in accessing information. He raised a critical question for Mr. Mugurusi: “After training people in accessing information, are they interested in asking for the information?” Ivan pointed out the significant gap that often exists after people are trained—while they may have the skills to access information, many are not motivated to actually seek it.
Ivan raised concerns about the other side of the equation, asking if the public servants who have been trained to provide information are truly ready to do so. His observations led him to conclude that despite the training on both ends—information seekers and information providers—a gap remains, where trained individuals fail to follow through and request the information, and even when requests are made, very few organizations are willing to provide the information to the public. This, Ivan argued, is a major challenge that limits the effectiveness of access to information initiatives.
Freedom of Expression & Technology | Jamii Forums Model for Authentic Engagement
After Ivan’s remarks, the moderator directed the conversation to Yusuf Gidudu from Vijana Corps, a non-governmental organization that focuses on empowering youth through safe spaces and platforms for engagement. Yusuf shared a concerning experience related to freedom of expression and access to information. He recounted a recent incident where his colleagues were involved in a press conference to discuss public accountability issues, during a time when the public was calling for greater transparency from parliament. Unfortunately, the event took a troubling turn when Yusuf’s colleagues were arrested. This experience left a lasting impact on the organization, and Yusuf expressed frustration, saying, “Since then, we have not had peace as an organization.”
Yusuf also recognized the significant contributions of alternative media outlets in addressing the challenges of mainstream media. He acknowledged that while mainstream media is often constrained, platforms like Twitter and other online spaces offer young people opportunities for free expression and engagement. “Twitter, which you can see here, is a very big platform, and I think, as young people, not only Twitter but all online platforms work for us as places where we can freely share information,”. He also discussed the potential of platforms like TikTok, despite its challenges with misinformation. “I have come to realize that there's a lot of freedom on TikTok, which people are even misusing to spread disinformation. But this shouldn't worry us as much,” he remarked. Yusuf urged the adoption of models like Jamii Forums, which ensure that content shared online is authentic and reliable, and emphasized the importance of verification in these digital spaces.
"Let's Fear Not AI"
Looking ahead, Yusuf highlighted the need for embracing new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), despite the fears that technology might replace human jobs. “Let’s not run away from AI because of the so-called threats of it taking our jobs,” he said, pointing out that AI can assist in media reporting, but it still requires human input to be effective. He explained that even if AI generates content, a person without media expertise would still struggle to write a good story. “It is still the person who makes the report,” Yusuf emphasized, suggesting that technology should be embraced alongside efforts to verify and ensure accuracy in content. He concluded by urging the audience to move forward with a balanced approach to technology, one that harnesses its benefits while maintaining rigorous verification processes.
The session wrapped up with the moderator acknowledging the valuable contributions of the panelists. “A big thank you to David and to Ziada, our panelists.”
Pia soma: JamiiForums yashiriki Uganda Media Week 2024
Leo Novemba 8, 2024 ikiwa ni siku ya pili ya Media Week Uganda, JamiiForums imeandaa mjadala kuhusu Ushiriki wa Wananchi katika kuleta Mabadiliko ya Kijamii.
Ungana nasi hapa tukiletea matuko yote kama yatavyojiri:
- Mwakilishi wa Jamii Forums Ziada Seukindo aliulizwa kuhusu impact ya Jamii Check namna ambavyo inafanya kazi ambapo Ziada alidokeza kuwa kazi ya Jamii Check ni kukanusha taarifa potofu na kuweka sawa taarifa zote ambazo zina mkanganyiko akitolea mfano taarifa ya wiki mbili zilizopita iliyokuwa ikisema kuwa CHADEMA imejitoa kwenye uchaguzi wa Serikali Za Mitaa
- Aidha Ziada alidokeza kuwa mchakato wa kuhakiki taarifa hauhusishi team ya Jamii Forums peke yake bali ni mchakato ambao pia unawahusisha wananchi ambao kupitia Jamii Forums wanaweza wakaleta facts na evidence ili kuweza kuhakiki hizo taarifa
- Kuhusu namna ambavyo Serikali inaitikia na kujibu changamoto za wananchi kupitia Jamii Forums, Ziada alidokeza kuwa kwa miaka ya hivi karibuni Serikali imekuwa na mwitikio mzuri zaidi ukilinganisha na miaka ya nyuma
Discussion: Harnessing Technology for Civic Empowerment: Evaluating the effectiveness of Technology Driven Citizen Participation
Media’s Role in Amplifying Citizen Voices
Moderator Ben Mwine opened the floor by asking the panelists how media can integrate into citizen-led initiatives to amplify their efforts. He highlighted that the media’s role in bridging the gap between communities and the authorities is crucial. This is especially important in light of the challenges many citizens face in reaching out to those in power. By using media platforms effectively, citizens can raise important issues, such as corruption, lack of resources, or poor governance, and hold leaders accountable. The moderator also underscored that media should not just view its role from a business perspective but also take responsibility for fostering community growth and development.
Twaweza on Engagement with Local Media
David Mugurusi from Twaweza East Africa discussed the organization's efforts to collaborate with both local and community media outlets to support their civic engagement programs. He emphasized that Twaweza has been deliberate in its effort to work closely with the media to amplify community concerns and bridge the gap between citizens and government authorities. He pointed out that many community issues, especially those that require attention from higher authorities, cannot be solved by the community alone. As a result, the media plays a critical role in helping to bring these issues to light, ensuring that they reach those in power who can address them.
David further discussed Twaweza’s role in providing communities with the necessary tools to advocate for their rights and demands. He explained how communities have come to recognize the media as an ally in raising awareness about pressing issues. He also highlighted the significance of local media in ensuring that the concerns of citizens are taken seriously and acted upon by the government.
Twaweza’s Access to Information Program
David went on to explain how Twaweza has worked on enhancing access to information for communities. One of the key initiatives Twaweza has supported is the creation of the Access to Information Guide for Civil Servants, which was co-developed with the Ministry of ICT, the Africa Freedom of Information Center (AFIC), and Twaweza itself. This guide aims to provide both civil servants and the public with an understanding of their roles in facilitating access to information and the benefits that come with it. David emphasized that citizens, when approaching government offices with specific requests, need to have concrete information to make their case stronger.
For instance, when a community demands the establishment of a health center, they need to understand the existing health facility standards, such as the required levels of health centers at various administrative tiers (e.g., village, sub-county, and district levels). Twaweza trains community members to access this information, either from government websites or district officials, so they can make informed requests.
By training both citizens and government officials, Twaweza aims to create a two-way flow of information that empowers citizens to demand what they are entitled to and ensures that local leaders are prepared to address these concerns effectively.
Moderator’s Reflection on Tanzania and Uganda
The moderator, Ben Mwine, then shared his observations based on his visits to Tanzania, noting that the Tanzanian government appeared more organized and responsive compared to his own country's (Uganda) government. Although he acknowledged the challenges, he suggested that Tanzania seemed to be making progress in managing civic engagement and government-citizen communication more effectively.
He asked Ziada from JamiiForums to share her experience regarding the government's response to their platform, especially considering that JamiiForums has been a vocal advocate for citizens' rights, which can sometimes be perceived as a threat by the government.
Jamii Forums on Engagement with Government
Ziada Seukindo from Jamii Forums shared the platform’s journey in building a relationship with the Tanzanian government. She started by acknowledging the compliment but also emphasized that both governments, when compared on a scale, have their own strengths and weaknesses. She described JamiiForums’ early relationship with the Tanzanian government as “rocky,” especially between 2016 and 2020, when the platform was involved in legal battles over data protection issues. The government at that time was keen on identifying the individuals behind certain posts, particularly those unveiling sensitive information, which created tension.
However, Ziada explained that over time, Jamii Forums found a way to engage constructively with the government. Instead of focusing on identifying the individuals behind critical posts, JamiiForums shifted the conversation to the importance of addressing the issues raised. She suggested that the government could focus on responding to the concerns presented by citizens, such as corruption or mismanagement, rather than targeting individuals. This shift in strategy helped JamiiForums foster a more cooperative relationship with certain government officials.
Ziada went on to explain how they found “champions” within the government—individuals who recognized the value of responding to citizens’ concerns and saw the positive impact of engaging with online platforms. Once one government official began to see the benefits of responding to citizen concerns, they would share their experiences with other leaders, leading to a growing number of supporters within the government. This helped Jamii Forums gain more traction and acceptance among government officials.
Shifting Perceptions of Online Citizens
Ziada also reflected on how the perception of online citizens has evolved. Initially, there was a narrative that online citizens were not "real" citizens, with many government officials treating them as if they existed in a separate "cloud" realm, disconnected from the actual population. However, over time, the government has come to acknowledge that online citizens are indeed part of the broader Tanzanian public, with opinions and concerns that matter. This shift in perspective has allowed for more meaningful engagement between the government and citizens online.
Ziada concluded by highlighting how JamiiForums supports government officials who are champions of digital engagement by providing them with the skills to use digital platforms effectively and engage with citizens in a more constructive manner. This, she believes, will continue to strengthen the relationship between the government and its citizens.
Adapting to Media Disruption
Morris from BBS Terefayina, a traditional media outlet in Uganda, added to the discussion by highlighting the disruption in traditional media practices and emphasized the importance of adapting to the changing landscape. He argued that traditional media must recognize that "not every story or initiative is for financial gain, but may be aimed at empowering citizens". He pointed out that many media houses hesitate to cover stories if there’s no financial benefit, which limits engagement with citizens. "How do we engage with citizens from this perspective, simply because it’s not financially advantageous for them?" he asked, stressing that the real disruption is the shift in how media operates.
Morris further discussed the evolving role of technology in media, noting that "the way we package the message, how we deliver it, and how it’s transmitted to the receiver has evolved". He explained that, in today's era, the receiver has a tool to engage, which means media must adapt their messaging to the tools people use, such as social media platforms. He also addressed concerns about AI in journalism, urging the need to "adapt to these disruptions" and make use of new technologies like ChatGPT, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that stories remain factually accurate to maintain trust.
Opportunity in Underutilized Platforms for Citizen Engagement
Ben Mwine, the moderator, pointed out the underutilization of platforms like TikTok in citizen engagement. He asked the audience how many people engage with TikTok or other short-form video platforms like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Stories, noting that while 95% engage with short videos online, there was "only one person" who had seen content related to local leaders on these platforms. He emphasized that this represents an opportunity for media to better engage with the public.
Grassroots Media Engagement
Doreen commended the efforts to engage with grassroots communities and bridge the gap between citizens and leaders. She suggested applying the governance model to media by having local councils (LC1) create newsletters to share information, ensuring "authenticity" and preventing corruption as it moves up the chain of communication.
Bridging the Access to Information Gap
Ivan Lukanda from Makerere University contributed thoughtfully to the ongoing discussion, bringing attention to an important issue related to the effectiveness of training individuals in accessing information. He raised a critical question for Mr. Mugurusi: “After training people in accessing information, are they interested in asking for the information?” Ivan pointed out the significant gap that often exists after people are trained—while they may have the skills to access information, many are not motivated to actually seek it.
Ivan raised concerns about the other side of the equation, asking if the public servants who have been trained to provide information are truly ready to do so. His observations led him to conclude that despite the training on both ends—information seekers and information providers—a gap remains, where trained individuals fail to follow through and request the information, and even when requests are made, very few organizations are willing to provide the information to the public. This, Ivan argued, is a major challenge that limits the effectiveness of access to information initiatives.
Freedom of Expression & Technology | Jamii Forums Model for Authentic Engagement
After Ivan’s remarks, the moderator directed the conversation to Yusuf Gidudu from Vijana Corps, a non-governmental organization that focuses on empowering youth through safe spaces and platforms for engagement. Yusuf shared a concerning experience related to freedom of expression and access to information. He recounted a recent incident where his colleagues were involved in a press conference to discuss public accountability issues, during a time when the public was calling for greater transparency from parliament. Unfortunately, the event took a troubling turn when Yusuf’s colleagues were arrested. This experience left a lasting impact on the organization, and Yusuf expressed frustration, saying, “Since then, we have not had peace as an organization.”
Yusuf also recognized the significant contributions of alternative media outlets in addressing the challenges of mainstream media. He acknowledged that while mainstream media is often constrained, platforms like Twitter and other online spaces offer young people opportunities for free expression and engagement. “Twitter, which you can see here, is a very big platform, and I think, as young people, not only Twitter but all online platforms work for us as places where we can freely share information,”. He also discussed the potential of platforms like TikTok, despite its challenges with misinformation. “I have come to realize that there's a lot of freedom on TikTok, which people are even misusing to spread disinformation. But this shouldn't worry us as much,” he remarked. Yusuf urged the adoption of models like Jamii Forums, which ensure that content shared online is authentic and reliable, and emphasized the importance of verification in these digital spaces.
"Let's Fear Not AI"
Looking ahead, Yusuf highlighted the need for embracing new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), despite the fears that technology might replace human jobs. “Let’s not run away from AI because of the so-called threats of it taking our jobs,” he said, pointing out that AI can assist in media reporting, but it still requires human input to be effective. He explained that even if AI generates content, a person without media expertise would still struggle to write a good story. “It is still the person who makes the report,” Yusuf emphasized, suggesting that technology should be embraced alongside efforts to verify and ensure accuracy in content. He concluded by urging the audience to move forward with a balanced approach to technology, one that harnesses its benefits while maintaining rigorous verification processes.
The session wrapped up with the moderator acknowledging the valuable contributions of the panelists. “A big thank you to David and to Ziada, our panelists.”
Pia soma: JamiiForums yashiriki Uganda Media Week 2024
