The Remarkable Achievements of Allen Kagina: Leading Uganda’s Infrastructure Development
Allen Kagina is a name you might not be familiar with, but it’s a name worth knowing. Kagina has been instrumental in the development of infrastructure in Uganda, from building roads to expanding telecommunications. Born in 1961, she has had a long and illustrious career, and her achievements speak for themselves.
The Beginnings of a Remarkable Career
Kagina graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, in 1982. She went on to earn a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University in New York, USA, in 1992. She began her career in the Office of the President, where she worked in the research department.
Leading the Uganda National Roads Authority
In 2008, Kagina was appointed the Executive Director of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). Under her leadership, UNRA became a top-performing government institution that had a significant impact on Uganda’s economy. UNRA built more than 3,000 kilometers of new roads and repaired many existing ones.
Transforming the Uganda Revenue Authority
In 2004, Kagina was appointed the Commissioner-General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). At the time, URA was struggling to collect taxes, and its revenue collection was insufficient to meet the government’s needs. Kagina transformed URA into a top-performing revenue collection agency that expanded its tax base and improved revenue collection methods.
Promoting Transparency and Accountability in Government
Kagina has been a strong advocate for transparency and accountability in government. She introduced the use of performance contracts and scorecards to hold government officials accountable for their performance. She also led the implementation of the e-government system, which improved government services and reduced corruption.
Championing Women’s Rights and Empowerment
Kagina has been a champion of women’s rights and empowerment in Uganda. She has encouraged girls to complete their education and take up leadership positions. She has also mentored women in leadership positions and encouraged them to pursue their goals.
Expanding Telecommunications in Uganda
Under Kagina’s leadership, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) expanded telecommunications in Uganda. UCC streamlined the licensing process for telecommunications companies, which led to increased competition and better services for Ugandans. UCC also introduced the Universal Service Fund, which enabled the expansion of telecommunications to rural areas.
Introducing the Electronic Cargo Tracking System
Kagina introduced the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) to improve efficiency and reduce corruption in the transport sector. The ECTS monitors cargo from the point of entry into Uganda to the point of exit, ensuring that goods are not diverted or tampered with. The system has reduced transit times, increased revenue collection, and improved security.
Developing a World-Class Auditor General’s Office
In 2017, Kagina was appointed the Auditor General of Uganda. Under her leadership, the Auditor General’s Office has become one of the most respected institutions in Uganda. The office has conducted audits that have revealed corruption and mismanagement in government, leading to the recovery of lost funds and improved accountability.
Conclusion
Allen Kagina has been a transformative leader in Uganda’s infrastructure development. Her remarkable achievements in the government have had a significant impact on the country’s economy and society. She has been a trailblazer for women’s rights and empowerment, and her legacy will continue to shape Uganda for years to come.
FAQs
1. What is Allen Kagina’s background?
Allen Kagina is a Ugandan who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, in 1982. She went on to earn a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University in New York, USA, in 1992.
2. What were Kagina’s achievements at the Uganda National Roads Authority?
Under her leadership, UNRA built more than 3,000 kilometers of new roads and repaired many existing ones.
3. What is the Electronic Cargo Tracking System?
The Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) is a monitoring system introduced by Kagina to improve efficiency and reduce corruption in the transport sector. The ECTS monitors cargo from the point of entry into Uganda to the point of exit, ensuring that goods are not diverted or tampered with.
4. What has Kagina done to promote transparency and accountability in government?
Kagina has introduced the use of performance contracts and scorecards to hold government officials accountable for their performance. She also led the implementation of the e-government system, which improved government services and reduced corruption.
5. What is Kagina’s legacy?
Kagina’s legacy is a transformative leader in Uganda’s infrastructure development. Her remarkable achievements in the government have had a significant impact on the country’s economy and society. She has been a trailblazer for women’s rights and empowerment, and her legacy will continue to shape Uganda for years to come.