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E-Governance : the case of DistrictNet in Uganda


Document type: report
Download file(s): 118814 (119 KB)
Abstract: DistrictNet, an e-governance programme that tries to provide transparency at the local government level in Uganda and to improve the provision of public information, was evaluated. DistrictNet aims to achieve 5 overall goals: (1) increased availability of management information; (2) increased coordination between headquarters and sub-counties; (3) reduced costs of coordination between head-quarters and sub-counties; (4) improved IT skills among users; and (5) increased availability of public information. DistrictNet is a pilot designed to test concepts and to build a body of knowledge. The programme was aligned with plans to spread Internet connectivity to district centres. Some of the lessons learned were: (1) programme developers should think big, but begin small; (2) they should create feedback loops in e-government programmes; (3) capacity development is a key success factor in e-governance projects; (4) it takes time to change the technology-focused attitude in e-governance projects; this needs to be addressed from the start of the implementation; (4) connecting citizens to the programme is probably the biggest challenge. Information should be seen as a commodity and content must be easily available and useful. The programme has provided clear evidence that the introduction of ICT at the local government level can lead to major improvements in performance.
Authors: Jager, A. de , Reijswoud, V. van
Series Title: Thematic Networks
Country: Uganda
Category: Practice
Keywords: public administration , information and communication technologies , governance , information services
Language: eng
Organization: IICD - International Institute for Communication and Development
PAGE: 4
Place: The Hague
Publisher: IICD
Year: 2006
Region: Africa South of Sahara , East Africa
Right: © 2006 IICD
Subject: Information, Knowledge and Communication
Title: E-Governance : the case of DistrictNet in Uganda