The findings from the above exercise are compiled, synthesized and presented at the quarterly meeting between the donors, government of Uganda and civil society to discuss and evaluate the performance of the PAF. As seen from the above diagram, government presents quantitative reports since their monitoring ends at input output levels. Civil society's report is more qualitative and informs the policy planners of the quality of the service provided.
At first these findings were presented to the quarterly meeting by a UDN staff. But with time and as the PMCs gained confidence, we started providing them with analysis and report writing skills. They are now able to collect the information, synthesize it and write the final report, which they themselves present at the quarterly meeting. One or two of them are selected among themselves to present the report. This has increased ownership of the process by the PMCs as well as enabling them to interact with policy planners and articulate their concerns. On the other hand, the reports have gained more authenticity, as the policy planners are able to hear the views and concerns of the people from the horse's mouth.
As time goes by, these quarterly meetings are becoming irregular. This means that findings by these people can stay long before reaching the policy planners. This has then necessitated the change of strategy from presenting the findings to national level committee to discussing these findings at source. Respective district PMCs are now encouraged to organize dialogue meetings with their district officials and present to them their findings. These have become more effective as most of the issues identified are addressed at those levels and solutions advanced. Secondly some districts have unique problems, which can only be handled uniquely. The other advantage with this process is that through the interaction with their district officials, a rapport has been created and these district officials now regard them as allies, not detractors, as was the case at the beginning of the exercise.
|