Utilisation of Monitoring and Evaluation Information and Performance of Global Partnership for Education Projects: Ugandan Context
► Martha Christine Olwenyi(Corresponding Author)
molwenyi@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5699-9331
► Doroty Ndunge Kyalo
dorothy.ndungr100@uonbi.ac.ke
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8789-9965
► Raphael Nyaonje
raphael.nyonje@uonbi.ac.ke
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5300-1547
► Reuben Wambua Kikwata
kikwathar@uonbi.ac.ke
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8064-2238
Received: 12 December, 2024
Final Revision: 10 March, 2025
Accepted: 29 March, 2025
Published: 8 June, 2025
10.52283/NSWRCA.AJBMR.20250902A06
Abstract
This study examines the extent to which utilisation of Monitoring and Evaluation information influence performance of Global Partnership for Education projects in Uganda. Uganda continues to grapple with systemic inefficiencies in primary education services such as low completion rates, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate teacher capacity, and poor literacy and numeracy performance among pupils. Despite slight improvement from previous between 2008-2023, literature indicates that more than half of the students do not finish the primary education cycle.
In response to these persistent challenges, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) has played a critical role in supporting Uganda’s education reforms. Nonetheless, gaps in project performance persist, especially in non-donor-supported schools, where improvements remain marginal. These disparities point to the necessity of examining not only what inputs are provided, but how they are monitored, evaluated, and adapted over time to ensure sustained impact. Moreover, there is limited exploration into the organisational and contextual factors, such as institutional culture and leadership practices, that influence the effective use of M&E information. Consequently, there remains insufficient clarity regarding why considerable inputs from donor-supported initiatives like the GPE fail to consistently translate into sustained improvements in education project performance.
Besides, there is limited literature on the practical use of M&E information, with notable gaps in explaining why project inputs fail to translate into proportional, sustained improvements in education outcomes across different school categories, which merits further research. While theories such as Systems Theory, Results-Based Management, and Organizational Learning Theory are proposed to underpin effective M&E utilisation, there is a scarcity of studies examining how these theoretical frameworks operate practically within low-resource, donor-supported education contexts like Uganda. This presents a critical gap in understanding how theoretical models inform actual decision-making and adaptation processes within educational interventions.
This study adopted a pragmatic research paradigm, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods. A cross-sectional, descriptive survey design was employed, targeting school staff, district officials, and ministry representatives. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including regression models, were used to evaluate correlations between study variables. Findings indicate that M&E data significantly informs decision-making, project scaling, and best practice adoption. Regression analysis revealed a positive correlation (R =0.436), with 19% of project performance variability attributed to M&E data utilisation.
The study’s findings indicate that M&E information utilisation significantly impacts GPE project performance. However, the model explains only 19% of the variance, suggesting other influencing factors. Methodological limitations include reliance on self-reported data, potential biases, the cross-sectional design prevents causal inferences and contextual constraints. Future research should explore additional determinants and broader geographical coverage for generalizability. The study confirms that effective use of M&E information enhances project efficiency and learning. The findings highlight the importance of data-driven approaches in improving education project outcomes.
The study highlights the importance of evidence-based decision-making in improving education project outcomes. Strengthening M&E utilisation fosters accountability, transparency, and informed policy-making, ultimately enhancing education service delivery. Improved project performance can lead to better learning environments, increased student success, and equitable access to quality education, contributing to overall community development and social empowerment. This study provides empirical evidence on how data-driven decision-making enhances project effectiveness, offering valuable insights for policymakers, education stakeholders, and development organizations seeking to improve education outcomes in similar contexts.
Keywords: Monitoring and Evaluation, Information Utilisation, Project Performance, Global Partnership for Education, Data-Driven Decision Making, Education Projects