Page 5 - Expanding Social Protection (ESP) Programme - Newsletter

FOREWORD

Aggrey David Kibenge
PERMANENT SECRETARY,
MOGLSD

Investment in Social Protection

accelerates Growth and Development

n today’s rapidly evolving Uganda. Development, with support
world, the importance of It does so by ensuring that the from UNICEF-Uganda developed
investing in social protection most vulnerable persons are able the Investment Case for Social
systems, particularly direct to meet their basic needs, leading Protection, which highlights five
I income support, cannot to improved health, nutrition and main avenues to finance social
be overstated. It is central to education outcomes. This, in turn, protection initiatives, avenues
achieving the broader goals of the strengthens the country’s human that could allow Government to
Ugandan government, including capital, laying a solid foundation for increase its tax-based revenue
the Uganda Vision 2040 and sustainable development. It also as well as reap the returns on
the Sustainable Development fosters income multiplier effects, investments made without
Goals. For a country like Uganda, which extend beyond immediate generating additional debt. The
where poverty, inequality and recipients by stimulating local avenues consist of:
vulnerability remain significant demand and businesses. This 1. the implementation of a
challenges, these investments are injection of resources into the tourism development levy,
not only a moral imperative but economy creates jobs, promotes 2. the introduction of an excise
also an economic necessity. Social entrepreneurship and enhances tax on confectionary,
Protection, especially in the form of overall economic growth. And last, 3. the introduction of an
direct income support, has proven the provision of such support also electronic transfer tax on fees
to be a powerful tool for enhancing improves resilience as it mitigates charged for RTGS transactions,
Human Capital Development and the effects of shocks. 4. an increase in the gambling tax,
boosting national productivity, To this end, the Ministry of as well as
thereby reducing poverty, Gender, Labour and Social 5. returns reaped from the
promoting inclusive growth and investment of oil revenue.
ensuring that no one is left behind. It is envisaged that the
For Uganda to unlock its full investment case will create an
potential and create a more overall understanding within the
inclusive, resilient and prosperous government and other relevant
future, prioritizing Social Protection, actors, that non-contributory
particularly direct income support It does so by ensuring social protection in the country
across the life cycle, must be at the that the most vulnerable requires a concerted, structured,
heart of its development agenda. members of society systematized effort; thus, building
In line with this, Government are able to meet their on different government ministries,
continues to strengthen basic needs, leading departments, and agencies to work
collaboration with development to improved health, together effectively.
partners, civil society organisations nutrition and education Full document can be accessed via
and the private sector to advance website www.mglsd.go.ug and www.
the social protection agenda in outcomes. socialprotection.go.ug

MARCH - JUNE 2025 / ESP PROGRAMME NEWSLETTER 05