Gov't Convenes 4th National Social Protection Dialogue with a clCall for Data and Inclusive Social Interventions

Kampala, Uganda — Stakeholders, government officials, and development partners gathered today at the Kampala Serena Hotel for Uganda’s 4th National Social Protection Dialogue. Hosted by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) alongside key institutional partners, the event focused on charting a path toward sustainable financing, expanded coverage, and inclusive socio-economic transformation.

The Minister of Gender, Lanour and Social Development Gen. Henry Tumukunde while officiating the dialogue said that “We are fighting for a more inclusive society, one where the most vulnerable can access essential services and meet their basic needs. Our focus must be on putting people first, addressing their unique needs and ensuring that no one is left behind”:

He said that an estimated 5.5 million Ugandans aged 18–30 are neither employed nor in education or training. “Behind these numbers are real struggles that demand better data and inclusive social protection. Behind the numbers are real lives. Some young people affected by unemployment and the aftermath of COVID-19 are already raising children of their own. Social protection must go beyond stats and address their most pressing needs”

The discussion from International Labour Organization and ISER Uganda Focus on Sustainable Financing centered heavily on bridging the funding gap for national social safety nets, given that social protection currently accounts for roughly 0.7% of Uganda’s GDP.

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Participants reviewed ways to strengthen protections across all life stages—from early childhood development programs and disability grants to old-age support.

With the vast majority of Uganda’s workforce operating in the informal economy, speakers emphasized expanding access to social security systems like the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and health insurance frameworks.

Representatives from organizations including UNICEF Uganda and WFP Uganda joined government leaders to reaffirm commitment to building resilient communities that leave no one behind.

Moving from Policy to Action:

The annual dialogue serves as a crucial platform during Social Protection Month to evaluate the impact of flagship initiatives like the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) and propose legislative and budgetary reforms.

 Leaders urged participants to convert boardroom commitments into measurable, life-changing interventions for vulnerable households across the country.

"Social protection is not charity; it is a strategic investment in human capital, productivity, stability, and dignity. While we commend Uganda's progress in expanding social protection, we must address the persistent challenges of low coverage, underfunding, and the exclusion of vulnerable groups. We need disability inclusion, sustainable financing, and stronger institutional systems to build an inclusive, resilient Uganda where every child, family, and community thrives."Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF Representative in Uganda said

Studies at household, community, and national levels show that providing the Shs 25,000 monthly stipend to persons 80 years and above has brought about a 10 per cent decline in poverty among beneficiaries. However, ministry of Gender revealed that we spend only 0.7 per cent of GDP on social protection. 

A statement from Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER) said that "Discussions underscore the urgent need to strengthen social protection as a foundational cornerstone of inclusive economic growth. It is a critical pathway to move Ugandans out of vulnerability into true resilience, helping to drive the country's tenfold economic growth ambition."