BACKGROUND

In 2005/06 The Government of Uganda and the World Bank conducted a diagnostic trade integration study (DTIS) under the auspices of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) (www.enhancedif.org). The DTIS report details the main economy-wide and sector specific constraints to trade expansion in Uganda; and in an action matrix proposes the urgent actions that need attention in the short, medium and long terms. One constraint cited is the weak link between the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (MTIC) at the centre and the district commercial offices (DCOs) at the grassroots. This weak link affects adversely the ease with which MTIC can deliver on its mandate at the grassroots including delivery of trade and business services. The weakness of this link was confirmed by a consultancy study that MTIC had carried out in 2008 which also identified the main challenges faced by DCOs.

MTIC, working through the Second Trade Capacity Enhancement Project (TRACE II) itself funded by the EIF, has designed and secured EIF funding for the District Commercial Services Support Project (DICOSS) that is being implemented in 25 selected districts in Uganda. DICOSS is a pilot capacity building and training project to build capacity in target DCOs with the view to assisting the GoU deliver commercial services at the grassroots more efficiently and effectively.

DICOSS is a three year project with a budget of US $3,328,969 including a GoU contribution of US $ 330,850. The Memorandum of Understanding that triggers commencement and funding was signed between the Government of Uganda and the EIF Trust Fund Manager (United Nations Office for Programs Support - UNOPS) on 19^th December 2011.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The overall objective of the project is to improve MTIC’s effectiveness in the delivery of commercial services at the grassroots level in the target districts.

The project aims at strengthening selected DCOs through training, equipping, retooling and facilitating them; and fostering the building of networks among them and with key stakeholders especially small and medium enterprises.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

• To equip and retool targeted DCOs

• To facilitate DCOs deliver commercial and business services in their districts

• To facilitate the building of networks between DCOs and other stakeholders 

DICOSS project focuses on trade, tourism, industry and cooperatives sectors and the ability of both the GOU and the Local Governments to deliver these services at the grassroots level.  In Uganda’s decentralized administrative system, the DCO is central in the delivery of the commercial and business services at that level. The DCO’s capacity in that respect is to be enhanced through redefinition of their functions and mandates, provision of equipment, training and facilitating and improving the links of the DCOs with MTIC, with other government agencies, and lower Local Governments and with the general public that they are meant to serve. DICOSS will also support the drawing up of work plans by the DCOs and contribute funds towards implementation of those work plans.

The project will support the capacity development of the 25 districts through the provision of equipment and training; clarifying their mandates and functions, and streamlining relations with MTIC including reporting requirements. The project will also facilitate regular contacts between MTIC and the districts.

IMPLEMENTING DISTRICTS

The project is to be implemented in some 25 districts across the country that were carefully selected with regional balance put in perspective and to avoid duplication of effort provided by other projects within the MTIC family. These include the following;

NORTH: Nebbi, Pader, Apac, Lira, Moyo and Kotido.

EAST: Iganga, Kapchorwa, Kaliro, Moroto Palisa, Serere, Soroti and Tororo.

WEST: Hoima, Isingiro Kabale, Kyenjojo, and Ntungamo. 

CENTRAL: Kampala, Masaka, Mubende, Mukono, Nakasongola and Sembabule

BENEFICIARIES OF THE PROJECT

• The Public Sector especially MTIC, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries & Fisheries (MAAIF), Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Tourism Wildlife & Heritage (MTWH) etc

• Private Sector

• Partnering/participating Local Governments

• Civil society

• Other Public Agencies

• Policy Implementation Agencies

• General Public 

The project is implemented by a small management team under the leadership of the Project Manager. The Project Management Committee comprising of high level individuals seconded by their respective organizations/institutions oversees implantation by providing policy guidance.

The following organizations have seconded members to the management committee:

• Ministry of Trade Industry and Cooperatives

• Ministry of Local Government

• Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development

• The Integrated Framework Facilitator (European Union) 

Contacts:

The EIF Focal Point

Ministry of Trade Industry and Cooperatives

Plot 6/8 Parliamentary Avenue

5th Floor, Farmers House,

P.O Box 7103 Kampala

Tel: 0414-340 589

Fax: +256-(0) 312-265 274

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Project Manager

DICOSS

Plot 6/8 Parliamentary Avenue

5th Floor, Farmers House,

P.O Box 7103 Kampala

                                               MAP OF UGANDA SHOWING DICOSS IMPLEMENTING DISTRICTS