SMART Aid helps Ugandans fight corruption

Jun 12th, 2009 9:17 AM EST
By Nora Coghlan

As ONE continues to advocate for SMART Aid, we’ll be bringing you examples on the ONE Blog of how effective development assistance, when implemented correctly, can save lives:

When the Ugandan government ended primary school fees in 1997, millions of the poorest children were able to attend school for the first time. Enrolments more than doubled over the next decade. Donor aid was needed to support the schools, but many donors were hesitant to invest in the system because of a reputation for corruption. With support through the World Bank’s International Development Agency (IDA), a Public Expenditure Tracking Survey in 1996 showed that only 13 per cent of education funding was reaching schools. As a result, donors made their support conditional on the Ugandan Government’s implementation of an anti-corruption programme. Through newspaper and radio campaigns, the Government informed parents’ associations of the amount of money their schools should be receiving; parent groups were able to act as watchdogs. As a result of this campaign, and other reforms to the education system, a second survey in 2002 showed that 80 per cent of resources were reaching schools. This model has been replicated in other African countries; it serves as a strong example of “bottom-up accountability”, engaging civil society, donors and governments to improve aid systems and deliver smarter aid continent-wide.

TAGS: SMART Aid

8 Comments

Debbie Ksays: Jun 12th, 2009 10:55 AM EST

June 12, 2009 at 10:55 am

As a former teacher, I especially thank you for this post, Nora.

This is SMART AID in action for sure…..but so much more needs to be done. I personally know of nearly 250 children in Uganda who couldn’t find the money last year for their school fees. I did what I could to raise some money for these children to go to school but it wasn’t enough for all of them. I carry them in my Heart & Soul every day.

AS ONE, debbie
http://www.mpwn-uganda.org

PS: If people would personally like to help this year to make sure children have a chance to attend school this coming academic year in Uganda, they can contact the above website for info. Thanks.

Ridiyen Kibayasays: Jun 12th, 2009 2:23 PM EST

June 12, 2009 at 2:23 pm

The Ugandan Government needs to be held accountable for this disaster and need to start formulating ways to serve the populace they were voted to lead.

Debbie Ksays: Jun 12th, 2009 3:46 PM EST

June 12, 2009 at 3:46 pm

As in every African country that I know, people of goodwill in those countries are trying their best to make their governments more democratic & more accountable.

That is why they need the assistance of their brothers & sisters who are living in the diaspora to come home and help them improve the Continent.

ALWAYS FOREVER, ONE – debbie
http://www.myspace.com/mulago

Ridiyen Kibayasays: Jun 12th, 2009 11:27 PM EST

June 12, 2009 at 11:27 pm

“brothers & sisters who are living in the diaspora “? no comment.

Debbie Ksays: Jun 13th, 2009 6:43 AM EST

June 13, 2009 at 6:43 am

If your comment entails a negative perspective, then it probably is better to say nothing. I’m speaking the truth that I know and am trying to speak it as positively as possible.

Ridiyen Kibayasays: Jun 13th, 2009 12:17 PM EST

June 13, 2009 at 12:17 pm

Your insinuation that those who have left the ‘daispora’ (which by the way Africans do NOT refer to Africa as) are not doing anything, and further your use of the term ‘brothers & sisters’ is insulting at best.

Debbie Ksays: Jun 13th, 2009 6:43 PM EST

June 13, 2009 at 6:43 pm

I did not insinuate anything, sir – that is an interpretation that you have made. Why you decided to make that interpretation is something that only you know.

And I used a term (”brothers and sisters”) that people have used for decades to attempt to find unity amongst people. Again, only you would know why you decided to interpret it negatively.

Strictly Positive, debbie