National Social Protection Dialogue 2014: Advocating for a Comprehensive Social Protection System in Uganda

*By John Kusolo*

*Theme: "Social Protection as an Enabler for Human Capital Development Across the Lifecycle"*

The National Social Protection Dialogue 2024, organized by Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development in collaboration with various development partners, brought together key stakeholders to address social protection as a pivotal element for sustainable development. This year’s theme, "Social Protection as an Enabler for Human Capital Development Across the Lifecycle," underscored the importance of a well-rounded social protection system to ensure Ugandans' well-being and economic productivity throughout their lives.

*Social Protection as a Right and an Investment*

Hon. Flavia Kabahenda Rwabuhoro, the Woman Member of Parliament for Kyegegwa District and Chairperson of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Social Protection, delivered a passionate address at the event. She emphasized that social protection should not be viewed as charity but as a fundamental right and an investment in Uganda’s future. Kabahenda advocated for government-supported initiatives such as cash grants and social security measures, which she believes are essential for fostering a productive, equitable society rooted in indigenous values and knowledge.

She also highlighted her concerns with Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Census data, arguing that the statistics significantly underestimated the older population in Uganda. This discrepancy, according to Kabahenda, threatens effective planning for older persons and weakens the foundation of Uganda's social protection framework. She also advocated for the establishment of a National Health Insurance Scheme to address the unique health needs of older persons, as their compromised health status demands specialized support. Hon. Kabahenda called for increased training of geriatricians and the availability of more caregivers to meet the needs of Uganda's aging population.

*The Need for Dignity and Protection for Older Persons*

Echoing the need for comprehensive support for older persons, Arthur Namara Araali, Chairperson of HelpAge—a network dedicated to supporting older Ugandans—stressed that all Ugandans, especially vulnerable groups, deserve a dignified life. According to Namara, the responsibility to create a society where no one is left behind lies with the government, development partners, and organizations focused on age-related care.

Namara referenced the Senior Citizens Grant (SAGE) program, which provides 25,000 UGX monthly to senior citizens aged 80 and above, benefiting approximately 367,000 older persons. However, he disputed UBOS data that claimed only 80,000 older persons benefit from SAGE grants, raising concerns that such discrepancies could imply ghost beneficiaries in the system. He called for rectification of these inaccuracies to ensure that government planning and resources truly address the needs of the older population.

*Facing Realities for a Dignified Life for All*

Senior Development Economist Dr. Fred Muhumuza, also the Director of the Makerere University Business School Economic Forum, offered a broader perspective on the steps Uganda needs to take to provide all citizens with a dignified life. He called for a realistic approach to tackle issues in the health sector, child resilience, youth empowerment, and the high unemployment rate.

Muhumuza pointed out that prioritizing the health sector is essential to providing Ugandans with a baseline of dignified living. Strengthening healthcare, building resilience among children, creating employment opportunities for the youth, and addressing inequalities would enable Uganda to achieve social and economic growth that benefits everyone.

*Social Protection*

*Priorities Under NDP IV*

Professor Pamela K. Mbabazi, Board Chairperson of the National Planning Authority (NPA), shed light on the social protection priorities embedded within Uganda’s National Development Plan IV (NDP IV). These priorities include reducing the age of eligibility for SAGE, expanding access to social insurance schemes, operationalizing the National Health Insurance Scheme, and undertaking reforms in the pension sector.

She emphasized that social protection efforts outlined in NDP IV are essential for ensuring economic security across Uganda's population. These reforms are geared toward fostering intergenerational support structures, boosting economic stability, and ensuring Uganda’s workforce remains healthy and productive.

*SAGE’s Impact on Local Development*

Jill Clements, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland, highlighted the success of the SAGE program, which she described as a catalyst for local economic growth and intergenerational impact. According to Clements, SAGE has empowered older persons and their families, contributing to the local economy and reinforcing Uganda's social fabric. Her remarks underscored the importance of continuing to expand social protection programs like SAGE, which uplift vulnerable populations and drive grassroots economic development.

Clements also noted the unique structure of Uganda’s social protection framework, highlighting that social protection is a responsibility shared by multiple ministries and all levels of government. This collaborative approach, she believes, is essential for maximizing the impact of social protection programs and ensuring no Ugandan is left without support.

*Building a Stronger Social Protection System for Uganda*

The National Social Protection Dialogue 2024 emphasized that a robust social protection system is foundational to Uganda’s long-term development. Stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector underscored the need for accurate data, targeted policy reforms, and shared responsibility to ensure that vulnerable populations, particularly older persons, can live with dignity.

The dialogue’s recommendations point to a future where Uganda can fully harness social protection as a transformative force for economic stability, resilience, and human capital development. Through targeted investments in health, education, and financial security, Uganda can move closer to becoming an inclusive, equitable, and productive society where all citizens thrive.