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Developing a Theory of Change for the National Special Grant

6 September 2024

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A two-day Theory of Change (TOC) workshop was held from May 7th to 8th, 2024, at the Sports View Hotel, Kireka, facilitated by the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) in collaboration with IDInsight. This workshop brought together district implementers, government ministries, departments, agencies, and organizations of persons with disabilities including Uganda National Associatio of the Deaf, and National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda, to establish a Theory of Change for the National Special Grant. The primary aim was to empower the National Council for Persons with Disabilities to better monitor the grant's progress, usage, and the challenges encountered during implementation. Underscoring the commitment of the Council to enhance the livelihoods of Persons with Disabilities by ensuring that the grant reaches its intended beneficiaries and delivers meaningful outcomes.

Setting Expectations

Participants were encouraged to share their expectations for the workshop, which included gaining a deeper understanding of the Special Grant, identifying clear indicators for monitoring its impact, and exploring ways to overcome challenges in its implementation. The participants also sought to improve the grant's performance and accessibility, ensuring that Persons with Disabilities across the country benefit equitably.

Understanding the Theory of Change

The IDInsight team, led by Ms. Rachel, provided a comprehensive presentation on the concept of Theory of Change. The presentation covered key aspects such as understanding the project context, the background of the engagement, and IDInsight’s grasp of the Council’s goals. It also delved into the composition of a ToC and the importance of impact pathways, offering participants a clear roadmap for the workshop's discussions.

The image shows a group of people engaged in a collaborative setting, likely during a workshop or meeting. In the foreground, a small group of four individuals is seated around a table covered with a light-colored tablecloth. They appear to be discussing or working on a task, with laptops and notebooks in front of them. One person is looking up, possibly listening intently, while another is writing notes. The woman in the center has a laptop open, and there are water bottles on the table, indicating a casual yet focused atmosphere. In the background, additional participants are seated at other tables, some engaged in conversation or working on their devices. A large screen is visible, displaying a blue background, suggesting that a presentation or visual aid may be part of the session.

Key Workshop Activities

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in group discussions and presentations aimed at identifying critical nodes for measurement and aligning on key research questions and indicators. These activities were designed to ensure that the Theory of Change framework would be both practical and reflective of the on-the-ground realities faced by Persons with Disabilities and those implementing the grant.

Challenges and Recommendations

The workshop also provided a platform for discussing the challenges encountered in the implementation of the National Special Grant. Some of the key issues raised included the incomplete Management Information System (MIS), the need for greater disability inclusion awareness, and concerns about the inhuman methods of disability verification. Participants emphasized the importance of harmonizing the definition of disability within the Ugandan context and enhancing the capacity of Community Development Officers (CDOs) who are crucial to the program's success.

The image captures a moment during a meeting or workshop. A woman, prominently featured in the foreground, is speaking into a microphone. She has short, curly hair and is wearing a white blazer with a black grid pattern. Her expression is engaged, and she gestures with her hand, emphasizing her point. In the background, several individuals are seated at tables. One man appears to be listening attentively, while another woman, dressed in a polka-dot blouse, looks on with interest. The setting is well-lit, with light-colored curtains and tables covered with light-colored tablecloths. Various items, including laptops and water bottles, are visible on the tables, indicating an interactive and collaborative environment. The overall atmosphere suggests a focused discussion or presentation.

Next Steps

The workshop concluded with a commitment from IDInsight to present a finalized Theory of Change in a follow-up workshop. Additionally, stakeholders outlined their next steps, focusing on improving the MIS, raising disability awareness, and clarifying the role of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities in the grant's implementation. Participants also discussed the establishment of referral pathways for grievance handling and the need for clear complaint reception mechanisms.

The image features a group of individuals posing together in a well-lit indoor setting, likely during an event related to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. The backdrop includes a large banner with the council's logo and mission statement. In the foreground, there are several people standing closely together, smiling for the camera. The group consists of both men and women, dressed in a mix of formal and semi-formal attire. The woman in the center is wearing a light-colored dress and appears to be holding a cane, suggesting she may have a disability. The setting has a modern design, with a glass roof allowing natural light to filter in. Potted plants are visible in the background, adding a touch of greenery to the environment. The overall atmosphere conveys a sense of community and support among the participants.

Conclusion

The Chairperson of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities closed the workshop by thanking all participants for their valuable contributions. He expressed gratitude to IDInsight for their partnership in developing the Theory of Change, which will serve as a vital tool for monitoring and evaluating government programs aimed at improving the lives of Persons with Disabilities This workshop represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to ensure that the National Special Grant fulfils its intended purpose and creates lasting positive change for Uganda's disabled community.