Governing Multi-Sectorial Partnerships in Emergencies: The Case of the Uganda COVID-19 Task Force

Onyoin, Moses; Galimaka, Denish B.; Nabatanzi, Annet K.

Abstract

Cross sector collaboration, particularly the use of Multi-Sectorial Partnerships, has recently developed as a crucial element of efforts to deliver and improve public service outcomes across developing countries. Yet for collaborations initiated to respond to emergencies, these have to cope with both a fluid problem and the context of operation. We utilise a literature grounded framework and draw on publicly accessible data on the empirical case study of the National COVID-19 Task Force (NTF) in Uganda to discern important considerations for effective governance of cross-sector initiatives in emergencies. Based on the analysis, we argue that a careful mix of considerations in the structures, processes and actors realms enable collaborative initiatives to remain effective in a continually evolving and wide scale response in emergency contexts. We specifically underscore the primacy of the adoption of whole-of-government approach, cascading of identical collaboration structures to lower levels of government, adoption of a unified communication strategy, participatory resource mobilisation and active involvement of initiative's champions. We have reinforced the enduring relevance of cross-sector initiatives for addressing wicked problems, foreshadowed ingredients for more agile partnerships and mainstreamed the consideration of evolving context in the collaboration discourse.

Citation

Onyoin, M., Galimaka, D. B., & Nabatanzi, A. K. (2022). Governing Multi-Sectorial Partnerships in Emergencies: The Case of the Uganda COVID-19 Task Force. In K. Ogunyemi, & A. I. Onaga (Eds.), Responsible Management of Shifts in Work Modes – Values for a Post Pandemic Future, Volume 1 (43-59). Emerald. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-719-020221004

• Online Publication Date: Sep 26, 2022
• Publication Date: Sep 26, 2022
• Deposit Date: Oct 14, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 31, 2022
• Publisher: Emerald
• Pages: 43-59
• Book Title: Responsible Management of Shifts in Work Modes – Values for a Post Pandemic Future, Volume 1
• Chapter Number: 3
• ISBN: 978-1-80262-720-6
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-719-020221004
• Keywords: Governance; Multi sectorial Partnerships; Collaboration; Emergencies; Public service outcomes; Public-private actors
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4094696
• Publisher URL: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/978-1-80262-719-020221004/full/html