Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID): A Landmark Achievement in Urban Service Delivery
By John Kusolo
The Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) program stands as a testament to the effective implementation of performance-based grant initiatives aimed at enhancing local government capabilities in urban service delivery. Managed by Eng.Dr
Isaac Mutenyo, the program is an extension of the earlier Local Government Management and Service Delivery (LGMSD) program. Financed under the Program-for-Results (PforR) framework, USMID builds on the foundational efforts of the Local Government Development Program (LGDP I) to scale a performance-based approach nationwide, significantly improving infrastructure and service delivery across Uganda’s local governments.
Program Background and Strategic Relevance
Launched on April 11, 2019, with a substantial funding commitment of US$ 360 million, USMID is designed to address critical infrastructure gaps and enhance the operational efficiency of local governments (LGs). The program, set to conclude on June 30, 2024, spans 10 cities, 12 municipalities, and 11 refugee-hosting districts. Its primary objective is to bolster urban service delivery through a performance-based grant system, driving improvements in infrastructure and municipal services.
Achievements and Impact
Over its operational period, USMID has made significant strides in improving local government performance, infrastructure development, and service delivery, which can be categorized into several key areas:
Local Government Performance:
The program has dramatically improved the annual performance scores of participating LGs, with scores rising from 0% at inception to an impressive 70.72%, approaching the target of 90%.
Local infrastructure development targets were not only met but exceeded by 109.6%, highlighting the program's effectiveness in surpassing set goals.
Direct Beneficiaries:
The program has directly benefited 3,493,414 individuals across cities and municipalities, achieving 99.8% of its target. Female beneficiaries constitute 52% of this figure, underscoring the program's commitment to gender inclusivity.
In refugee-hosting districts, the program reached 3,108,600 beneficiaries, exceeding the target by 124%.
Infrastructure Development:
Urban infrastructure saw significant advancements with 194.7 km of roads completed and an additional 18.7 km under construction.
Walkways and cycle lanes also saw substantial development, with 311.9 km and 342 km completed, respectively.
Solar streetlighting initiatives have illuminated urban areas, with 12,445 solar streetlights installed and 2,889 more in progress.
Municipal Services:
The program has nearly met its target for municipal road construction and rehabilitation, achieving 99.9% with 194.7 km completed.
Garbage collection efforts have amassed 522,136 tons, reaching 75% of the intended target.
Eight municipal local economic infrastructure projects have been completed, fulfilling 89% of the target.
Financial Performance:
The program demonstrated robust financial management, with annual fund absorption rates reaching 85.66% within eligible expenditure categories, reflecting efficient utilization of allocated funds.
Technical Assessment and Economic Rationale
A comprehensive technical assessment underscores the program's strategic relevance and technical soundness. It evaluates the expenditure framework, results framework, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system, ensuring alignment with PforR operational policies and bank procedures. The assessment highlights the program's economic rationale, expected impacts, and technical risks, alongside a detailed action plan to mitigate these risks.
As the USMID program approaches its conclusion on June 30, 2024, it leaves behind a legacy of substantial achievements in urban service delivery and infrastructure development. The program's success in enhancing the performance of local governments, coupled with its impressive impact on beneficiaries and infrastructure, marks it as a significant milestone in Uganda’s development journey. The strategic deployment of funds and rigorous performance-based approach serve as a model for future initiatives aimed at sustainable urban development and efficient local governance.
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