By @omielp [Patrick Omiel Okecho] and @Eric_Munyambabazi [Eric Munyambabazi]
The Web-based M&E System for the 3rd National Development Plan for Uganda is a DHIS2 implementation that has been in development since 2020 with the support of the European Union (EU) with technical support of HISP Uganda and HISP Ethiopia. The development of this system was commissioned by the Rt. Hon Prime Minister in July 2021 as a reform within the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to strengthen their monitoring and evaluation (M&E) function and therefore a key deliverable for the OPM.
The intended outcome of implementation is to digitalize the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) results framework of the 3rd national development plan, which was previously managed using Excel and other paper-based tools. This framework comprises ~5,000 indicators at outcome and output levels, spanning 20 programmes that encompass different sectors of the government. Upon its rollout, all government institutions will be required to regularly report on the specific indicators assigned to them.
To date, all essential metadata configurations have been finalized. This encompasses the organization units, covering all government institutions at both the central and local government levels, along with the inclusion of all indicators. To enrich the system’s capabilities for analytics and data capture within the M&E results framework, custom applications have been developed on top of the core platform. Furthermore, targets and baselines for the entire plan, along with performance data from the past two financial years, have been successfully uploaded into the system.
In May 2023, a series of presentations and demonstrations have been made to secure further buy-in and ensure the preparedness for the system’s rollout to various government institutions. Key government officials who were part of these presentations and engagements included the Minister in Charge of General Duties, the national forum of Directors and Commissioners, the Development Plan Implementation Working Group, as well as the Heads of Departments at the OPM. In parallel, rollout training has commenced at the National Planning Authority (NPA) and the OPM to equip staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to start using the system.
In conclusion, the DHIS2 community has for long desired implementation of this nature that is cross-sector. It is therefore important to foster success, particularly in light of the OPM’s renewed commitment and support for implementation.
Special thanks are extended to all the experts working on this implementation and especially @Abyot_Gizaw for pioneering this work in Uganda, and there is an eagerness to continue the collaboration.
Stay tuned for further updates on the progress of the system in the near future
