We are delighted to introduce the CoST Uganda 2021-2026 Business Plan amidst amidst challenging times of a global pandemic. As new ways of doing business are emerging, we have embarked on a challenging yet worthwhile agenda to transform infrastructure transparency in Uganda guided by a sharp business plan 2021-2026 worth £ 2.2 million pounds. CoST Uganda invites stakeholders to support this plan, we will need 30% to boost our institutional sustainability to champion CoST work, 35% for transparency and assurance related activities, 20% for social accountability and 15% for multi-stakeholder working engagements.
The new Business Plan will specifically enable CoST Uganda consolidate our achievements and maintain our strategic imperative and relevance as a leading infrastructure transparency advocate in Uganda for the next five years. The business plan articulates the marketing plan, Results framework and financial projections. Our four priority strategic areas for the next five years will be; Transparency and Accountability, Multi-stakeholder working, Inclusive Social Accountability and Institutional Strengthening.
In the past four years, we have documented impact at sector, policy and project levels, to the realization of Uganda’s Infrastructure Transparency commitments to CoST International. Feedback from stakeholders as per our 2021 updated Scoping Study and the 4th Assurance Report reveals an improvement in the sector in regards to disclosure, and a growing need for continued engagements on transparency, accountability, fair business practices and citizen participation in public infrastructure delivery processes. And thus, the need for CoST in Uganda with a greater demand for scale up of our interventions across the country.
Globally, by 2030, it is estimated that close to US$6 trillion could be lost annually[1] in construction through corruption, mismanagement and inefficiency. In Uganda, many actors and stakeholders have over time raised concerns on the quality of projects being delivered under the various sectors of education, water, health, oil and gas, works and transport among others. Since 2017, CoST Uganda has published 4 Assurance reports spanning 49 pilot projects in various sectors. The initiative has conducted sector focused research on citizens and private sector participation in public infrastructure delivery processes, established a platform for stakeholder engagement and information sharing on infrastructure transparency and accountability. Results of these interventions have pointed out some of the key good practices and gaps in the delivery of infrastructure projects across the value chain, in addition, the COVID19 pandemic has further divulged the need for a robust infrastructure system across all the sectors, in regards to management of crisis situations.
In our quest to facilitate discussions for delivering quality infrastructure, a stronger economy and better lives in Uganda and to effectively contribute to the realization of the National Development Plan, vision 2040, the SDGs and implement Uganda’s commitments to CoST International, a process to solicit stakeholder views and proposals on the focus for the national programme was conducted. Feedback from stakeholders concluded that, the initiative’s agenda is commended, desirable in Uganda and its role appreciated.
This Business Plan should be seen by current and potential new partners not as a fixed proposal, but as a statement of intent, an illustration of ambition and the basis for a strategic discussion about future collaboration. We are indebted to all out past partners, stakeholders and donors. Working together with our stakeholders, we are focused at meeting our strategic objectives for the next five years, further document change and impact, strengthen our interventions across the country, count and secure additional financial resources from a more diverse group of development partners. As you receive this Business Plan, we invite all stakeholders and partners to work with us in its implementation.
Support our Business Plan https://www.cost.or.ug/download/usd-2-2-million-needed-to-boost-infrastructure-transparency-activities-by-cost-uganda-in-the-next-five-years/
[1] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/02/why-is-the-construction-industry-so-corrupt-and-what-can-we-do-about-it?utm_content=buffer49301&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
