Kick Corruption Out of Uganda (KICK-U) took a significant step forward in its commitment to transparency and accountability by conducting a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Workshop on Thursday, 7th March, 2024. This workshop, held at the KICK-U office, aimed to train staff in the development of an M&E Strategic Plan aligned with the organization's strategic plan for 2022-2026.
The workshop began with opening remarks from Mr. Robert Kakuru Byamugisha, the Executive Director of KICK-U, who expressed gratitude to Madam Esther Okurutu Moreen from Rwenzori Link for facilitating the training. Mr. Byamugisha also thanked Rwenzori Link for partnering with KICK-U to develop the M&E Strategy, highlighting the collaboration as a testament to the unity of purpose in the fight against corruption.
Madam Moreen's facilitation was enlightening, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and evaluation as continuous processes essential for learning and improvement. She outlined key components of M&E, including monitoring processes, outputs, and outcomes, as well as the evaluation of program effectiveness, sustainability, relevance, and efficiency.
The workshop delved into the intricacies of data management, emphasizing the importance of collecting, analyzing, and using data effectively. Madam Moreen introduced various tools and techniques for data collection and stressed the need to transition from paper-based to digital data management systems for increased efficiency and transparency.
One of the key takeaways from the workshop was the understanding that M&E is not just about data collection but about using data to make informed decisions and improve program quality. Mr. Barnabas Nabaasa, a KICK-U staff member, expressed his newfound knowledge, stating, "I have learned that Monitoring and Evaluation is composed of 12 components to make up a system." This sentiment was echoed by other staff members, who appreciated the practicality and relevance of the training to their work.
Moving forward, KICK-U is poised to enhance its M&E practices, which will enable the organization to achieve greater impact in its fight against corruption. By strengthening its monitoring and evaluation processes, KICK-U aims to improve transparency, accountability, and service delivery in the Kigezi region, ultimately contributing to the betterment of Ugandan society as a whole.
