SG+
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Oeganda
08/08/2024 - Enabel,
in collaboration with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), hosted a
pivotal learning event focused on advancing Uganda's business landscape through
robust governance and anti-corruption efforts. As we are near the conclusion of the
Skills, Attitude, Governance, and Anti-Corruption (SG+) project, key
stakeholders gathered to reflect on the significant strides made since the
project’s inception in November 2020.
The SG+ project has
been instrumental in creating a more favourable business environment in Uganda.
The Governance and Anti-Corruption (GAC) component has tackled corruption
head-on by boosting e-procurement capabilities, promoting digitalisation,
strengthening corporate governance, and establishing reporting mechanisms that
support public-private dialogue. Notably, the project has empowered over 400
private sector companies to utilize the Electronic Government Procurement
system, educated 180 leaders on e-government services, and facilitated the anonymous
reporting of 157 corruption cases.
Reflecting on the
progress made, Mrs. Sophie Kyagulanyi, Project Manager for SG+, highlighted the
evolving role of the Private Sector in combating corruption: “At the
start, the private sector was hesitant to speak out about corruption. But
today, they are actively following up on reported cases. This project has
ignited a flame that won’t be easily extinguished. The structures we've
established are self-sustaining and will continue to combat corruption, even as
the project ends,” she said.
The EU
Representative, Mr. Sofian Dahmani, underscored the importance of continued
collaboration, stating: “ his project demonstrates the power of
partnership. The EU is committed to supporting Uganda's efforts in creating a
transparent and accountable business environment. The progress made here is a
testament to what we can achieve when we work together.”
Adding to this,
Belgian Embassy Deputy Ambassador, Mr. Luc Pirson, emphasised: “The broader implications
of these efforts, noting that good governance and anti-corruption measures are
fundamental to sustainable development.”
The event also
featured contributions from strategic partners such as National Information
Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) and Public Procurement & Disposal of
Public Assets Authority (PPDA), who have committed to continuing these
anti-corruption activities independently. The Deputy Inspector General of Government, Mrs. Ann Muheirwe, reinforced the importance of these initiatives, stating: “The
fight against corruption is not just the responsibility of the government. It
requires active participation from the private sector, civil society, and every
Ugandan citizen. The success of the SG+ project shows that we are on the right
path, but there is still much work to be done.”
The momentum
gained in governance and anti-corruption efforts will not only persist but
expand. Organisations like Uganda Manufactures’ Association (UMA) are stepping
up to further these efforts, ensuring that the fight against corruption
continues and that Uganda’s business environment remains built on integrity and
transparency.
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