STATEMENT BY CSOs ON THE PROGRESS OF GLOBAL FUND ON THE VISIT TO BY PROF. RICHARD FEACHEM, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GLOBAL FUNDS TO FIGHT AIDS, TB and MALARIA (10-12 NOVEMBER 2004
Introduction The Uganda Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) were hitherto organized around partnership coordination structures like the self coordinating entities mechanism of the Uganda AIDS Partnership committee. The Uganda Network of AIDS service Organizations (UNASO), formed and mandated by AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) to coordinate HIV/AIDS and related programmes, acts as the national coordinator of all ASOs representing them at the various national fora in the effort. As partners in the Uganda Global fund to fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (UGFATM), these structures have been adopted with UNASO mandated to represent the private/non-government sector on the National Coordinating Committee (NCC). Appreciation The Uganda Civil society appreciates the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria for recognizing the role of CSOs in the fight against the pandemic. We are also pleased by the consequent principles of additionally, rapid disbursements and Public private partnership. The CSOs are thankful to the Executive Director Prof. Richard Feachem for visiting Uganda and particularly meeting them to share experiences on the progress of the Uganda Global fund. The CSOs are grateful to the global fund for the disbursements so far received by Uganda and the grant agreements already signed for more rounds of disbursements. Concerns 1. The CSOs are concerned that whereas there was a delay of almost one year between the signing of the grant agreement for round one and the disbursement, part of the 2 year approved funding has not yet been received. There are concerns as to whether Uganda will be able to access all the funds on this round given the delays in the disbursements and the subsequent implementation. 2. The CSOs understand that according to the original arrangement, CSOs were supposed to receive 49% of the total funds in Uganda. However, there has been debate on whether the said 49% is of the total fund or only limited to the direct implementation component of the fund. 3. Following the principle of Public Private Partnership and fair CSO involvement, we are concerned about the limited participation, constrained communication and information flow between the Project Management Unit (PMU) and stakeholders on the progress of the fund especially concerning implementation of activities and management at local and grass root levels. Recommendations 1. We recommend that disbursements are speeded up so as to ensure efficient implementation of planned programmes. At country level, we recommend that, if need be, structures are put in place to ensure quick disbursement to direct implementers, lead agencies and sub-grantees. 2. We strongly recommend that, as earlier agreed, 49% of the total grant received by Uganda be implemented by Civil Society Organizations to ensure effectiveness of the fund. 3. We recommend that the principle of Public Private partnership, transparency and CSO involvement be valued and practiced and that the revised CCM guidelines be adhered to. Conclusion The burden of the three diseases in Uganda is still overwhelming. With the opportunity of resource mobilization there is a ray of hope. The challenge ahead remains on the efficient and effective utilization of the available opportunities to step up our response against the diseases and save the vulnerable population. The Civil Society organizations in Uganda strongly welcome and is fully committed to the innovation of the Global fund. Bwanika ________ http://www.idrconsulting.com --> for your consultancy needs --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.Poker.se - Sveriges nya pokerportal!
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