Okuonga Boniface Opiyo
Nkumba University’s School of Social Sciences, on Wednesday, 30th April 2025, conducted a paper presentation on the importance of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) in humanitarian organizations.
The purely virtual presentation was moderated by Dr. Anne Abaho, the university’s Dean of the School of Social Sciences, drawing close to 50 virtual participants including students and staff.
Under the theme; “Monitoring and Evaluation of Data Quality and Performance of Humanitarian Organizations,” the presentation featured Dr. Bbosa Sulaiman, the university’s Kampala Campus Director, as the presenter, and Mr. Hangi Umar, a lecturer and teaching consultant, as the discussant.
As a presenter, Dr. Bbosa emphasized the importance of the accuracy and reliability of data collected from M&E, noting that it informs decision-making in humanitarian agencies. “Monitoring and Evaluation are an essential component of operations of not only Humanitarian Organizations, but all organizations across the board,” Dr. Bbosa said.
He highlighted the need for organizations to employ M&E systems to assess their efficiency and progress towards outcomes, outputs, and impact. Using the Uganda Red Cross Society as a case study, Dr. Bbosa noted that the organization had experienced a decline in activities due to a weak M&E system.
Mr. Hangi Umar emphasized the need for a Monitoring and Evaluation plan for each humanitarian organization, including a framework that defines programs, goals, objectives, and indicators. He recommended continuous capacity building and resource allocation for M&E officers.
The speakers concluded that the presence of M&E systems is no longer debatable but a must for both public and private institutions. They appealed for the institution of M&E systems for policy-making and advocacy, citing Rwanda’s example of having M&E systems in every institution.
Dr. Abaho pledged to continue engaging in similar presentations on a monthly basis to disseminate information to the community.
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