NITA-U launches the E-government Excellence Awards

By Patricia Osman

In a bid to enhance service delivery through use of E government ,the National Technology Authority has launched the NITA E-govt Excellence Awards under the theme Bold Digital Governemnt;Unlocking Service Delivery.

The month long celebration during the month of June will see an Expo for government services held from the 20-21st at Garden City roof top followed by a glamorous awards ceremony on the 27th of June 2019.

NITA-U executive director James Saka said the main objective of the awards is to share experiences with various govt entities across the country with a vision of innovative administration, access of information and enhanced service delivery through the application of e-govt.

The environment is ripe for the govt to have an expanded online presence. Citizens can now access information easier with more that 70% of Ugandans having mobile phones, 98%of government offices having fully functional websites; 319 government applications are up and running. 81% e government services are accessible through the e-citizens portal www.ecitizen.go.ug. The national backbone infrastructure stretches over 3000 kilometers across 60 towns, connecting 415 government offices, Ssaka added.

Speaking at same event Peter Kahiigi director E govt services says according to the United Nations e-government survey of 2018, Uganda’s online service index improved from 50% in 2016 to 57% in 2018 which puts the country in the high online service index bracket. The survey also indicated that Uganda’s e-government development index(EGDI) improved from 36% in 2016 to 41% in 2018 which is above the African average of34% adding that Uganda is currently ranked number one in Africa in cyber security by the global national cyber security index.

Mr. Ssaka further says their aim is to continue enabling the lives of Ugandan citizens by demystifying the concept of the use of ICT through the provision of reliable and consistent online government services. These awards will recognize the strides made in that journey, he adds.

The awards will be preceded by a four week campaign which will focus on sensitizing the government and private sectors on the critical role ICTs play in transforming service delivery, job creation and accelerating socio-economic development. The campaign will include an exhibition dubbed the e-government expo that will provide an opportunity for government ministries departments, and agencies to show case government online services. The Expo will also attract innovators, academia, Fintech to show case their prospects for digital governance.

Global firm Ernest and young will ensure that there is a high caliber adjudication and quality assurance,there by delivering a credible reputable vetting process.