The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is Pakistan’s prominent social welfare initiative that extends financial aid to vulnerable households. Recently, a Ugandan delegation visited Pakistan to study BISP’s transparent and efficient distribution processes, aimed at improving Uganda’s own social welfare programs.
Ugandan Delegation Visits Pakistan for Insights on BISP
BISP’s Transparent Mechanisms for Social Protection
A 21-member Ugandan delegation, led by Secretary of Public Service Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye, embarked on a four-day study tour of BISP. This visit aimed to explore how BISP operates to ensure transparent and fair distribution of funds. During their stay, the Ugandan officials were briefed extensively on BISP’s initiatives, including the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) and the Unconditional and Conditional Cash Transfer (UCT and CCT) programs.
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Table: Key Highlights of the Ugandan Delegation’s Visit to BISP
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose of Visit | Study BISP’s social protection initiatives |
| Key Programs Observed | NSER, UCT, CCT |
| Centers Visited | Dynamic Registration Center, Nashonuma Center in Murree |
| Primary Focus | Transparency, women’s empowerment |
| Appreciation from Ugandan Officials | Praised BISP’s transparency and digital outreach |
Learning from BISP’s Adaptive Social Protection
The Ugandan delegation was introduced to BISP’s adaptive use of the NSER, particularly after the floods of 2022 and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The officials observed how BISP dynamically updates its registry, ensuring that aid reaches the most affected households.
Field Visits to Registration and Health Centers
To gain hands-on experience, the delegation visited BISP’s Dynamic Registration Center and the Nashonuma Health Facilitation Center in Murree. These visits demonstrated how BISP leverages digital registration and advanced data management to streamline aid distribution. Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye acknowledged BISP’s technological advancements and data accuracy as valuable elements to replicate for Uganda’s welfare programs.
BISP as a Model of Women’s Empowerment and Transparency
The Ugandan officials praised BISP not only for its transparency but also for its impact on women’s empowerment. They commended BISP’s outreach to women, emphasizing that the program serves as a model for uplifting marginalized communities. Mbonye highlighted the importance of stakeholder collaboration in making social support systems more inclusive and effective in reducing poverty.
Strengthening International Social Welfare Collaboration
BISP Secretary Amer Ali Ahmad expressed his gratitude to the Ugandan officials for their study visit, hoping that this exchange of knowledge would lead to stronger ties and more effective social protection programs globally. He emphasized that such international collaborations can significantly enhance the impact of social support initiatives.
Conclusion
The Ugandan delegation’s visit to BISP underscored the value of international partnerships in strengthening social protection frameworks. BISP’s commitment to transparency, technological integration, and women’s empowerment has set a benchmark in social welfare that other nations, including Uganda, seek to emulate. As both countries exchange best practices, this collaboration promises to create more effective solutions for supporting vulnerable communities worldwide.
