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Shift Media News 
By Patrick Jaramogi
KAMPALA Uganda [SHIFT MEDIA NEWs]
Works and Transport Minister Gen. Edward Katumba has urged government entities to practice transparency as mechanism of combating corruption and ensuring accountability.
“I don’t know why there is fear of being transparent and yet these projects are meant for the people? We ought to embrace disclosure and improve access to information,” said Gen. Katumba who also acts as the CoST Uganda Chapter Champion.
The flamboyant Minister was chief Guest at the launch of the Africa Freedom of Information Center (AFIC) and CoST Uganda Chapter Analytical Data Dashboard.
The dashboard according to AFIC Program Coordinator Olive Kabatwairwe is geared towards providing real-time information on infrastructure projects in Uganda.
CHECK IT OUT
http://analytics.cost.or.ug/home
Addressing stakeholders at the PPDA Auditorium on Tuesday July 11 2023, Katumba hailed CoST Uganda Chapter for Winning the recent anti corruption Award.
He said the new initiative will not only enhance infrastructure transparency, but also facilitate project performance, and boost fair business practices.
Gilbert Sendugwa the Senior Regional Manager CoST Africa, and Executive Director AFIC said- as he opened the Multi-stakeholder workshop- that the new tool will provide real-time infrastructure disclosure which will empower the public by providing them with up-to-date information on project plans, progress, and impacts.
‘This new tool will encourage transparency that will build trust and empower citizens to actively engage in decision-making processes,” said Sendugwa.
Michael Cenkuru, a renown Open Data expert was behind the Dashboard works released by CoST Uganda Chapter.
The new innovation, according to Sendugwa will be key in detecting risk at initial stages and combating them, way ahead of time.
Sendugwa hailed the collaborative efforts between AFIC and the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA)
“On a special note, i want to thank our first CoST Uganda Chairperson, Hon Nathan Byanyima, whose tireless efforts pushed us this far, leading to the winning of two awards so far,” he said. Hon Nathan Byanyima, the MP for Bukanga North constituency in Isingiro, was present at the launch.
Sendugwa noted that efforts of persons like Hon. Nathan Byanyima, had enabled the enhancement of Public Infrastructure transparency, increased data disclosure, and accountability among leading government entities.
Ms Olive Kabatwairwe, hailed the Ministry of Works, and the Champion, Gen. Katumba Wamala for supporting CoST initiatives. Other stakeholders at the Multi-stakeholder workshop included officials from Uganda National Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors (UNABCEC), the ministry of Finance officials, officials from the Auditor General’s office, among others.
PPDA Boss Speaks
The Executive Director, PPDA Benson Turamye urged Ugandans to demand for accountability for infrastructure projects, that he said accounts for over 50% of Uganda’s budget. “There is a need to avail information to the public to enable citizens to demand for accountability, appreciate projects when they are knowledgeable through open-source information put in place by PPDA to simplify discloser of information on the government procurement portal,” he said.
He noted that Transparency in infrastructure procurement ensures fair competition among bidders & minimizes the risk of corruption & malpractice.
