Government applauds CoST Uganda for the Analytical Data Dashboard unveiled to provide real-time information on infrastructure projects.
Drake Nyamugabwa
CoST Uganda has launched a new Analytical Data Dashboard aimed at facilitating infrastructure transparency, project performance, and fair business practices through monitoring of infrastructure projects and connecting data with users with decision-makers for the responsible of public funds.
The new tool will provide real-time infrastructure disclosure which will empower the public by providing them with up-to-date information on project plans, progress, and impacts.
The new tool according to the Senior Regional Manager for Africa -CoST International, Gilbert Sendugwa will encourage transparency that will build trust and empower citizens to actively engage in decision-making processes.
“The Dashboard provides real-time data on projects to enable replies, and adjustments, providing timelines to spot irregularities for better performance and information sharing. The earlier the risk is identified and addressed encourages timely cure” he said
Senior Regional Manager for Africa -CoST International, Gilbert Sendugwa giving his remarks
He commended the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) for its collaboration with CoST Uganda, which he said seeks to improve the disclosure of information and procurement transparency.
“We enhance Public Infrastructure transparency and accountability by encouraging governments to disclose data, validate it, and empower stakeholders to hold decision-makers accountable” he added
During the Multi-stakeholder workshop on infrastructure procurement transparency convened to create collaboration with key partners to improve performance on infrastructure transparency, The Minister of Work and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala applauded CoST Uganda for the new Data analytical Report that was also launched on the same occasion and presented by Ms Olive Kabatwairwe, Coordinator- CoST Uganda.
The Minister re-affirmed his commitment to supporting CoST initiatives and using the results of the report.
“To enhance the performance and use of these valuable resources, I have required the Engineer In the Chief's office to study the analytical report and devise means of consistently using the reports from the dashboard to inform our Ministry's decisions. We need to involve people, they ought to appreciate these projects. We should be able to disclose. If the intention is for the benefit of the country, then it should be open to the people” he said
The MInister of Works and Transport Gen. Katumba Wamala officiating at the function
He added that with the support of stakeholders like Uganda National Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors (UNABCEC), the ministry is in the process of reviving the Classification of Contractors in Uganda in a bid to regulate and help develop the construction contracting sector.
The theme of the engagement held at PPDA Towers in Nakasero was: “Spurring Public Participation through Powering Real-time Infrastructure Disclosure”
The Executive Director, PPDA Benson Turamye while giving his remarks said that with over 50% of Uganda’s budget allocated to infrastructure projects like roads, water, and irrigation among others, there is a need to avail information to the public to enable citizens to demand for accountability, appreciate projects when they are knowledgeable through open-source information put in place by PPDA to simplify discloser of information on the government procurement portal.
“Transparency in infrastructure procurement is the key to building public trust. It allows citizens to understand the rationale behind decisions, ensures fair competition among bidders & minimizes the risk of corruption & malpractice. Transparency can never be achieved without disclosure. When you disclose, you are availing information to the public to hold implementers accountable. We thank CoST Uganda for making use of the information that we have on the Government Procurement Portal (GPP)” he said
The Executive Director, PPDA Benson Turamye
He added that by “By providing real-time infrastructure disclosure, we empower the public with access to accurate and timely information, enabling them to actively participate and contribute their perspectives. Infrastructure development plays a vital role in shaping the growth and progress of our nation. It directly impacts the lives of our citizens and therefore, it is essential that we engage the public in decision-making processes that shape their environment”
The government has allocated 5.5 trillion of its next financial year’s budget to the infrastructure sector, and this is approximately 13.3%. With such investment, The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works Waiswa Bageya says “It is therefore critical that the principles of good governance are implemented”
The P.S urged PPDA and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to strengthen entities’ compliance with publishing infrastructure data, to facilitate full sector performance analysis and inform decision making.
The Coordinator, CoST Uganda during an interview says that they conduct periodic analyses of disclosed infrastructure projects that are availed on the government e-portal. She however said that during the analysis there was no disclosed information on contracts to special groups of people including Women, PWD, and Youth.
She added that recently CoST Uganda won the Anti-Corruption Collective Action Initiative Award for Southern Africa its outstanding achievements in tackling corruption and raising standards of business integrity in the region, and the 1st International global award of the best-performing member program implementing the CoST approach.
