- 01 Oct, 2024
- Darlington Senoga
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Reflecting on Uganda Evaluation Week 2024: A Journey of Learning and Gratitude
This August, I had the privilege of attending the Uganda Evaluation Week conference, an incredible gathering of evaluation professionals, researchers, and development practitioners from across Uganda and beyond. Held over several days, the conference was a rare opportunity to engage deeply with experts in monitoring, evaluation, and learning – fields that are pivotal to driving impactful, evidence-based change.
Being part of such a significant event was inspiring and educational. It allowed me to learn from some of the best in the field, gain fresh insights, and connect with people who share my passion for using data to improve lives. The experience left a lasting impression, one that I am excited to carry into my own work in monitoring and evaluation. And all of this was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The Power of Evaluation
The theme of the conference was clear: “Development with Purpose: Empowering Accountable Learning for Achieving Development Goals and Enhancing Climate Resilience.” Through evaluation, we’re able to see what’s working and what isn’t, enabling better decision-making and ultimately leading to more effective programs and policies. Whether it’s in health, education, or economic development, evaluations help us dig deeper and find pathways to better outcomes for communities.
Throughout the conference, I attended sessions on diverse topics like; Climate Change action, gender inclusion in evaluation, and the integration of digital tools in evaluation. The sessions weren’t just informative; they challenged me to think beyond conventional methods and consider innovative ways to make evaluations more impactful. I left each session with a notebook full of ideas and an eagerness to apply what I’d learned.
A Team of YEEs at the UEW
Highlights and Takeaways
One of the highlights was attending a panel discussion on community-driven evaluations. Listening to experienced evaluators discuss how to involve communities meaningfully in the evaluation process was eye-opening. They shared real-world examples of engaging local voices to ensure evaluations are not only accurate but also actionable at the grassroots level. The session reinforced for me that communities are central to our work in evaluation – after all, they are the ones who know their challenges and solutions best.
Another unforgettable experience was a workshop on digital innovations in evaluation. As someone who is always curious about technology, I was thrilled to see how tools like data visualization, GIS mapping, and mobile-based surveys are transforming the way we collect, analyze, and present data. It was clear that the future of evaluation is intertwined with technology, and as evaluators, we must be adaptable and forward-thinking.
Connecting with Peers and Mentors
The networking aspect of the conference was equally invaluable. Meeting like-minded peers who are at different stages of their evaluation careers was refreshing. We shared experiences, exchanged contacts, and even brainstormed possible future collaborations. For an emerging evaluator like me, these connections mean a lot. It’s comforting and motivating to know that there is a supportive community out there, ready to share knowledge and encouragement.
In addition, I was lucky enough to meet a few mentors like Dr. Muvawala, whose work I have admired from afar. Their insights, encouragement, and willingness to share their own journeys were a reminder that success in this field is a continuous journey of learning and growing. I left the conference feeling inspired and determined to make a difference in my work.
A Heartfelt Thank You to the African Development Bank
I am incredibly grateful to the African Development Bank for sponsoring my attendance at the Uganda Evaluation Week conference. This opportunity meant a lot to me personally and professionally. As someone who is passionate about monitoring and evaluation, being part of this conference was a dream come true. The experience has broadened my horizons, deepened my understanding of the field, and strengthened my commitment to driving positive change through evaluation.
Thank you, African Development Bank, for investing in emerging evaluators and for recognizing the importance of fostering young talent in this field. Your support is helping to build the next generation of evaluation professionals who are eager to make a meaningful impact across Africa.
Looking Ahead
Uganda Evaluation Week reminded me that the work we do as evaluators has a profound impact. It’s not always easy, but it’s rewarding. I am now more motivated than ever to use my skills to contribute to development initiatives in my community and beyond. As I return to my day-to-day work, I am excited to bring a renewed energy, new ideas, and a network of supportive colleagues who are just as passionate about evaluation as I am.
To anyone considering attending such events or pursuing a career in evaluation, I can’t recommend it enough. The journey is challenging, but with opportunities like these, we can continue to learn, grow, and make a difference.
By Anna Elsie Luyiggo
Member of the UEA
