Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has launched a specialized training program to equip its public officials with the skills to use data in selecting and appraising infrastructure projects. The initiative, held on June 5 at Fairway Hotel, aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and community-centered decision-making in the city’s development agenda.Organized in partnership with the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative (CoST) and the African Freedom of Information Center (AFIC), the program focused on empowering officials to gather and apply critical data in planning infrastructure that directly impacts residents. Participants were trained on identifying, analyzing, and leveraging data to ensure projects are both technically sound and socially responsive.Speaking on behalf of KCCA Executive Director, Daniel Nuweabine, Head of Public and Corporate Affairs, emphasized the role of data in building transparent governance systems. “Strengthening our capacity for data collection equips us with the tools to guide infrastructure planning. Data ensures projects serve the public interest and provides evidence that citizens can use to hold us accountable,” he noted.During the training, officials explored 32 key data points that are essential for evaluating and selecting infrastructure projects, ensuring that investments respond to community needs while minimizing unintended consequences. Topics included considerations for social impact, environmental sustainability, and public accountability.Deputy Director of KCCA’s Procurement and Disposal Unit, Doreen Akatuhwera, highlighted the long-standing partnership with CoST, which has improved procurement processes and reinforced integrity in project implementation since 2017. She emphasized that such collaborations strengthen the credibility and effectiveness of city-led infrastructure initiatives.Gilbert Sendugwa, Executive Director of AFIC, stressed the importance of well-planned public infrastructure in enhancing everyday life, pointing to schools, health facilities, and markets as critical assets. He noted that poor planning can lead to challenges such as flooding and inaccessibility, underlining the value of data-driven approaches.Participants engaged in discussions on integrating community feedback, environmental safeguards, and accountability mechanisms into infrastructure planning. The dialogue also explored strategies to monitor projects effectively and ensure public resources are used responsibly.The training underscores KCCA’s commitment to evidence-based, inclusive development. By equipping officials with data skills, the Authority aims to strengthen public trust, enhance service delivery, and ensure that Kampala’s infrastructure growth meets the needs of all residents.
