Page 27 - Expanding Social Protection (ESP) Programme - Newsletter

SOCIAL PROTECTION MONTH 2024

ABOVE: Dr. Fred Muhumuza, Senior Economist, MUBS giving a
Hon. Betty Amongi, in her address, committed to expanding keynote address
social protection initiatives, including the universal health
insurance scheme and enhancing the Social Assistance Grant for expanding social protection initiatives, including the
Empowerment (SAGE). universal health insurance scheme and enhancing the
Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE). She
social protection advocates who examined the challenges emphasized aligning social protection policies with the
and future directions of Uganda’s social protection goals of NDP IV to support sustainable development and
programmes. The Social Protection National Dialogue resilience.
attracted over 250 persons including journalists, social
media influencers, LG Officials, MPs and participants from Five Key Outcomes from the Panel
various MDAs and CSOs.
Discussion:
Increased Funding and Coverage - Panelists
Commitments from the Chairperson of highlighted the need for expanded funding and
the National Development Authority coverage of social protection, especially for informal
Professor Pamela Mbabazi reaffirmed the National sector workers.
Planning Authority’s dedication to embedding social • Enhanced Stakeholder Coordination - Emphasis
protection in Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP) was placed on improving coordination between
IV. She committed to adopting a life-cycle approach ministries and agencies to avoid redundancy and
that addresses vulnerabilities across all age groups and increase program efficiency.
proposed developing a socioeconomic register to better • Data Integration for Targeting - The importance of
identify vulnerable populations. integrating data systems across sectors was discussed
to enhance targeting and service delivery.
Commitments from the Keynote Speaker • Promoting Inclusivity - There was a call to address
Dr. Fred Muhumuza, as the keynote speaker, accessibility challenges and ensure all social protection
emphasized the need for a holistic social protection initiatives are inclusive, especially for disabled and
system and called for greater inter-ministerial elderly populations.
collaboration. He advocated for policies that strengthen • Strengthening Legislative Support - Participants
economic resilience and inclusivity, enabling Uganda’s discussed the need for stronger legislative frameworks
most vulnerable to participate fully in economic and to support social protection policies sustainably.
social development. • Presentation on the Status of Social Protection in
Kenya:
Commitment from the Minister of • Jane Muyanga Kitili, the Director of the National Social
Gender, Labour, and Social Development Protection Secretariat, Kenya, shared Kenya’s approach
Hon. Betty Amongi, in her address, committed to to social protection financing, where over 90% of
initiatives are government-funded. She emphasized

MARCH - JUNE 2025 / ESP PROGRAMME NEWSLETTER 27