Hi Stanely- good work on the proposal. I see you have tight deadline.
I have some feedback regarding the proposals- I hope you don't mind me outlining them here. I have also made changes with TRACKING on your actual document. You can accept or reject the changes. I hope you can work Tracking- if not email me!!

Mainly I don't believe you have articulated clearly what the intent of your program is. I understand that it is linked to the APRM Uganda plan - there is no where in this proposal that you say what that actually means. The proposal assumes the reader understands what APRM is. You need to clarify this further. The main sentence below just doesn’t make sense to me: The specific objective of the project is to set up community based system in two years which is involved in documenting, sharing, lobbying and advocating for implementation of African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Uganda Action Plan which covers four major areas of democracy/political governance; economic governance/management; corporate governance and socio-economic governance in Pallisa district.

Is the use of “INVOLVED” the right word here? Is it much more than that an involvement? How about…”which will imbed the documenting, sharing, lobbying and advocating the implementation of African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Uganda Action Plan …..”

Also- is there room to add the APRM Plan as an Appendix to your proposal??

I think the title of your project requires revision. Is the title already agreed upon by your colleagues? If not- can you think of something that's a bit more catchy? Just an idea…

You use the term 'focal office" a lot. I am not sure what you mean by that term? Do you mean LOCAL office? Or Headquarters? Or project office staff?? Maybe it's a common phrase used in Uganda- I'm not sure...just wanted to check that with you.

Uganda - PACODET - Application formCDV v1.doc

Hi Carolyn,
Thank you for your comments and observation. You are really doing what i wanted: to make this document quite very clear. I can track these changes but if i get problem i will consult you. The challenge i have in this document is to articulate it clearly but within 8 pages specified. This is where you can be of great help! APRM is abbrev. for African Peer Review Mechanism which is a mechanismm agreed on by African leaders which covers four major areas of democracy/political governance; economic governance/management; corporate governance and socio-economic governance in the rights perspective to check on their excesses. The assessment in these areas are done by external team, issues identified and government asked to respond and make specific commitments for improvements. The whole thing is aimed at improving liberties, freedoms and quality of life of the citizens. The problem here is that govt can commit in paper and does not implement. Now we want to get the people to know their rights and govt commitments and make real push for action. For more information refer to this website: http://www.google.co.ug/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=0h&oq=aprm+uganda+&...

As for this document, you may want to know that english is my second language. So if we are not being clear help us to communicate our intentions clearly. Yes we can change the word involved to the one you suggest if it brings out meaning clearly. I hope these suggestions aare in the document.

Focal office refers to focal project staffs and the rooms they occupy for their work.

Thank you
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Stanley Okurut

Hi Stanley- as English is your second language I can only praise you for the fabulous effort you have made with this document!! It's very good :)
It's almost there and I don't believe that you will need to add too much more information. I can continue to edit it- so when you a re re-working the changes I suggested - add as much as you like and I can help to cut it back but still make sense!
With the TrackChanges in Microsoft word- if you just right-click on each change it was ask if you want to Accept or Reject the change.
What you have described about APRM in your last post makes sense to me know. We need to convey that in your proposal. And I totally understand- just because a governmnet puts out a policy or Plan etc- doesn't mean it will be successfully implemented. I understand now that your proposal is about implementing and imbedding a broader community awareness around the APRM principles.

Carolyn

Thanks Carolyn,
Yes that is what my proposal is about. i will do exactly as you request.

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Stanley Okurut

Hi again Stanley,

I stumbled up on a document which has some very interesting suggestions that could help inform your proposal. See the section: How Civil Society in Uganda can maximize its role in the
APRM process. Lots of ideas on how to imbed the APRM process in local communities. Feel free to use these suggestions- it will make your proposal stronger (if they are applicable)

Carolyn

aprm.pdf

Thanks Carolyn,

Yes as CSO we went through these processes at national and regional levels to inform the APRM plan of action. The focus now is getting popular participation by masses to get this effort owned by local people. Otherwise it will remain white collar document. It is the turn of the local people now to own this plan. our Fous should now be (to quote from the reference doc you cited):

"APRM should be popularized so that the wider citizenry is acquainted with and effectively
participates in it.
To maximize participation in the APRM process Civil Society should:
!Acquaint itself with the mechanism and its various stages.
!Participate with Government in drawing up the National Plan of Action and ensuring it is
implemented." This is what we want to do. Can you figure out how to include this in the document.

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Stanley Okurut

Ok great- so there is will by the Govt to work with grass roots organisations like yours. Sorry if I have gotten you to repeat stuff that is elsewhere on your village page- I haven't had a chance to go through it yet.

We can certainly add the essence of what you have highlighted in the proposal.
I will get back to you Stanley.

Carolyn

Yes, the APRM secretariat that the govt formed to coordinate APRM activities has expressed the need and interest in working with CSOs. We will involve them and other key players in the implementation of this project. Infact if you realise our role will only be to get the beneficiaries to know how to get the best for themselves. We are looking forward to identifying key issues that the community will use as part of their bargain to politicians and government departments for their support.

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Stanley Okurut

Well i look forward to seeing the outcome of this process!! Democracy & citizenship in action :)

Stanley- I have written to you again on email.. let's chat over email tonight to try and refine this proposal.
Carolyn

It is fine for me Carolyn.

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Stanley Okurut