Short Abstract

Panel will be discussing on multiple themes: Theme 1: Evidence to Policy Action in Government, Theme 2: Capacity Building for Young Evaluators, Theme 3: Futures: Data Systems and AI for Evaluation. See more in the panel description...

Description

Theme 1: Evidence to Policy Action in Government

This panel discussion will explore the progress, challenges, and future direction of Uganda’s evaluation ecosystem, with a particular focus on how evidence can better inform policy and government action.

Panelists will reflect on lessons learned from Uganda’s experience in institutionalizing evaluation within government systems, strengthening evidence use for planning and budgeting, and promoting accountability and learning. The discussion will also examine barriers that limit the uptake of evaluation findings, the role of partnerships among government, academia, civil society, and development partners, and the priorities needed to build a stronger, more responsive, and nationally owned evaluation culture in Uganda.

Theme 2: Capacity Building for Young Evaluators.

This theme focuses on strengthening the professional development pipeline for Young and Emerging Evaluators (YEEs) in Uganda and across Africa. It explores how universities, VOPEs, governments, and international organizations contribute to training, mentorship, and the creation of clear professional pathways for the next generation of evaluators.

Drawing from practical experiences within the YEEs-Uganda Programme, the session reflects on how evaluation culture can be strengthened through intentional investment in young professionals.

The theme will also highlight key lessons learned and challenges emerging from efforts to build sustainable evaluation capacity among young professionals. The discussion will further examine the evolving role of professional associations in nurturing a stronger and more resilient national evaluation ecosystem.

Theme 3: Futures: Data Systems and AI for Evaluation

This theme explores the evolving role of digital systems, data governance, and artificial intelligence in shaping the future of evaluation practice in Africa. It looks at the practical applications of AI in improving efficiency, analysis, and access to evaluation while also addressing critical risks such as bias, ethics, privacy, and data sovereignty. The theme further discusses whether technological advances will democratize evaluation by lowering costs or instead widen inequalities by concentrating power among better-resourced institutions, and identifies the future-oriented skills evaluators will need to remain relevant and impactful over the next decade.