Page 13 - Expanding Social Protection (ESP) Programme - Newsletter

GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT

onboarding new beneficiaries to requires that responsible staff center, a meticulous reconciliation
expand programme coverage. The are well-trained and equipped process is conducted, where
key requirements for accessing to handle updates efficiently. In records from the Payment Service
the Programme include; being instances where a beneficiary Provider are cross-checked with
a Uganda citizen of 80 years passes on, community members beneficiary payrolls in custody
and above. One should also be are encouraged to promptly report of the programme field staff. The
registered under the National the event to maintain accurate amount of money paid out and
Identification and Registration data and programme integrity. the number of beneficiaries paid
Authority (NIRA) and in possession Complaints and Grievances; by the payment service provider
of a National Identification Number Throughout the processes, some must correspond with the figures
(NIN). However, some potential beneficiaries may experience recorded by programme field
beneficiaries face challenges, such dissatisfaction such as; having their staff to ensure consistency and
as lack of identification documents names missing on the pay roll, accuracy. Once reconciliations
(e.g., national IDs) or having having less balance on their bank are completed, comprehensive
underreported their age during account than what is expected. At reports are generated and shared
national registration and therefore the payment center, a dedicated with stakeholders, ensuring full
their national ID indicates a wrong team comprising of a program accountability and transparency in
age. Despite these hurdles, staff, payment service provider and the Programme’s operations.
successfully enrolled individuals are local government is assigned to The SAGE programme remains a
expected to begin receiving their handle complaints and grievances. cornerstone of the Government of
entitlements in the subsequent They work to resolve the issues and Uganda’s social protection strategy,
quarter after enrolment. provide feedback, ensuring that providing vital financial support to
Change management - affected beneficiaries receive their senior citizens. By ensuring efficient
Beneficiaries may require updates payments in a timely manner. In an payment distribution, beneficiary
to their records due to changes in event that the teams are not able verification, change management,
personal circumstances, including to provide conclusive feedback, the and grievance resolution, the
death, appointment of an matter is escalated to Programme programme continues to promote
alternative recipient, or relocation. management level for proper transparency, accountability,
To ensure seamless service management. Feedback should and financial inclusion. The
delivery, the programme facilitates then be given the next time the programme currently reaches over
the updating of beneficiaries’ teams are in the field. 307,000 beneficiaries in all local
geolocation and personal records. Payments reconciliations governments across the country.
Proper change management and reporting; At every payment

MARCH - JUNE 2025 / ESP PROGRAMME NEWSLETTER 13