Improving e-consultation through digital crowdsourcing in Uganda: A quantitative survey

Abstract

Information Communication Technology is identified by Uganda government as a key priority sector that will spur socio-economic transformation in the country. Unfortunately, ICT use for e-participation remains a challenge in Uganda. A pertinent issue with e-participation is e-consultation where citizens are expected to use ICT to access and participate in government programs. Despite government's efforts to increase ICT use by integrating it into its operations, minimal progress is recorded as e-consultation level remains low resulting in increase in corruption, lack of transparency and accountability. This study presents the prominent role of digital crowdsourcing in improving e-consultation in Uganda to be implemented using the ten-phase digital crowdsourcing implementation process with social media (Facebook) as a digital crowdsourcing tool. Using National Environmental Management Authority Facebook account to make an open call, randomly sampled participants will be availed self-administered, semi-structured, close-ended online questionnaires to identify the challenges and critical success factors for e-consultation. The participants will engage in the digital crowdsourcing process to address the problem of plastic waste pollution, a major eyesore globally. The major research outcome will be a consistent crowdsourcing implementation process that can be used to improve e-consultation in Uganda.