By Martha Abila
In a significant stride towards transparency and accountability, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, the Minister for Presidency, has initiated the Mid-Term Review of the Manifesto for 2021-2026. Alongside this critical assessment, she unveiled an innovative Online Manifesto Reporting System designed to enhance the monitoring and evaluation of manifesto commitments and performance across all sectors.
The launch, held at the Office of the President Conference Hall in Kampala, emphasized the importance of assessing successes and challenges midway through the implementation phase, which spans two years.
Minister Babalanda stressed the necessity of this review in guiding future plans and ensuring efficient government performance while upholding pledges to the people. The review encompasses various sectors including infrastructure, economic development, peace and security, and healthcare and education.
Highlighting some significant achievements during the review period, Minister Babalanda cited a notable surge in the economy by 5.5% in the fiscal year 2022/23, leading to a commendable increase of 3.03% in formal employment. The establishment of 12 out of 19 industrial hubs across various regions and the progress under the Parish Development Model and Emyooga program were also noted.
Infrastructure developments included the construction of 102 new secondary schools and the prioritization of healthcare infrastructure, evident in the increase of public healthcare facilities.
Access to clean water saw a remarkable improvement, with 70% of the population now having access to safe water sources. Judicial reforms, financial support to youth and women enterprises, and issuance of Certificates of Customary Ownership were also highlighted as significant achievements.
Minister Babalanda urged all stakeholders to carefully consider the review and work towards fulfilling manifesto promises for a brighter future. She introduced the Online Manifesto Reporting System as a cutting-edge tool aimed at facilitating precise and prompt collection of information pertaining to manifesto commitments, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability in governance.
Mr. Willis Bashaasha, the Director of the Manifesto Implementation Unit, lauded the online reporting system, stating its potential to streamline the reporting process for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in accordance with manifesto pledges.
The Manifesto 2021-2026, themed “Securing your Future,” focuses on commitments structured in five thematic areas. It is aligned with the National Development Plan III 2020/21-2024/25, with commitments mapped to Programme Implementation Action Plans.
According to the online system’s scorecard, progress is promising, with over 26 presidential directives achieved, 6 underway, and only 1 not implemented.
The launch marks a significant step towards ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective governance as Uganda progresses through its manifesto commitments towards a brighter future for all citizens.