Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development: NRM Manifesto (2021-2026) Implementation Progress Update by Hon. Peace Regis Mutuuzo

*By John Kusolo*

On December 5, 2024, Hon. Peace Regis Mutuuzo, the Minister of State for Gender and Culture, presented the implementation progress of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto (2021-2026) during the NRM Manifesto Week at the Office of the President Auditorium. The event provided a platform for Hon. Mutuuzo, also the Women Representative for Bunyangabu District, to outline the achievements, challenges, and plans under the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development (MGLSD).

*Key Achievements of the NRM Manifesto*

(2021-2026)

Hon. Mutuuzo highlighted several strides made in line with the NRM Manifesto commitments. These initiatives aim to empower vulnerable groups, foster cultural preservation, and promote social justice.

*Skilling Uganda Program*

The Ministry has spearheaded vocational training for youth and women to reduce unemployment. Over 200,000 individuals have benefited from the Skilling Uganda program, with Bunyangabu District recording 5,000 trained youth. Participants have been equipped with skills in tailoring, carpentry, agriculture, and ICT, fostering self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

*Gender-Based Violence Prevention*

Hon. Mutuuzo lauded the operationalization of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) shelters across 15 districts, offering survivors psycho-social support and legal aid. The Ministry also rolled out a mass sensitization campaign, which has reached 1.5 million citizens, highlighting GBV’s detrimental impact on society.

*Promoting Women's Empowerment through Financial Inclusion*

Under the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP), over 3,500 women groups have received financial and technical support to start income-generating projects. These interventions have enabled women to uplift their families and communities economically.

*Cultural Heritage Preservation*

The Ministry has worked closely with cultural institutions to document and preserve Uganda's diverse heritage. Hon. Mutuuzo announced that 10 cultural sites were restored, and a national cultural policy framework was finalized to promote cultural tourism.

*Improved Child Protection Services*

Through partnerships with NGOs and development partners, the Ministry established child helplines and strengthened child welfare systems to reduce child labor and abuse. Approximately 12,000 cases of child abuse were resolved in 2023-2024.

The Ministry remains steadfast in achieving all NRM Manifesto goals. Key projects in progress include:

Parish Development Model (PDM): Integrating marginalized communities, including women and youth, into PDM to enhance economic productivity.

National Labour Migration Policy: Supporting safe labor export and creating frameworks for fair employment abroad.

Youth Livelihood Program (YLP): Hon. Mutuuzo announced a restructured YLP to align with market demands and ensure sustainability.

Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE): The program now covers 80 districts, benefitting over 350,000 senior citizens aged 80 and above.

Despite notable achievements, Hon. Mutuuzo acknowledged several challenges:

Inadequate funding for some initiatives, particularly GBV shelters and skilling programs.

Rising cases of child labor due to economic hardships.

Cultural resistance to gender equality and women's empowerment efforts in some regions.

Hon. Mutuuzo urged stakeholders, including development partners, local governments, and cultural leaders, to support the Ministry’s endeavors. She called for enhanced community participation and resource mobilization to sustain and expand existing programs.

Hon. Peace Regis Mutuuzo reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fulfilling the NRM Manifesto (2021-2026) promises. Her presentation underscored the Ministry’s pivotal role in fostering inclusive socio-economic development, safeguarding cultural values, and promoting gender equity. She concluded with a pledge to work tirelessly towards achieving all targets by 2026, ensuring that no Ugandan is left behind in the country’s progress.

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https://eu.docworkspace.com/d/sIHC2tYCFAvfKxroG