Study to improve efficiency and effectiveness of learning and reflection processes in and between the different coordination platforms in the Uganda WASH Sector

The study is carried out in the context of the collaboration between the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) and IRC for the Triple-S project. This project that carries the motto 'Sustainable Rural Water Services at Scale' is a six year learning initiative with the overall goal of improving sustainability of rural water services and bringing about greater harmonization through increased sector capacity. The purpose of the study is to establish the efficiency and effectiveness of existing coordination platforms in the Uganda WASH Sector in facilitating learning and reflection processes in the sector and how this can be improved.

The study concludes that existing coordination platforms in Uganda are largely for sector coordination, performance review and accountability and do not focus explicitly on learning and reflection. Nevertheless, these national level platforms provide great opportunities for learning and reflection. If these platforms integrate learning and reflection in the agendas, it will change the content and the participatory process. The stakeholders in the WASH sector appreciate and actually use coordination platforms as a forum to disseminate new sector policies, guidelines and sometimes new approaches like recently the formation of Hand-pump Mechanics' Associations to ensure strong and sustainable O&M programs for water sources. This is a fertile ground to nurture learning and reflection in the sector. Like any other aspect of the sector, Learning and Reflection needs champions at various levels, to enable its uptake.