EOC Urges Targeted Public Spending for Underserved Communities

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has issued a strong call for public resources to be strategically planned and distributed, ensuring that government initiatives genuinely reach and empower women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other underserved communities. The commission argues that the principle of equal opportunities should move beyond mere policy statements and budget allocations to manifest as concrete improvements in services and opportunities for all citizens.

During an event recognizing contributions to equal opportunities, Ms. Catherine Lamwaka, chairperson of the Parliamentary committee, pledged that Parliament would collaborate with the EOC to enhance oversight of government programs. This collaboration aims to ensure that equal opportunity principles are deeply integrated into parliamentary work, from policy and planning to budgeting, implementation, and service delivery.

Ms. Lamwaka encouraged the EOC to proactively identify and report any gaps hindering citizens’ access to government benefits, citing issues like insufficient funding, implementation failures, and barriers to service access. She urged the commission to be bold and evidence-based in highlighting where policies might be inadvertently leaving people behind.

The push for more targeted resource allocation comes as Uganda continues its efforts in gender and equity budgeting. This process aims to ascertain whether government plans and budgets adequately address the needs of marginalized groups. The Public Finance Management Act, 2015, mandates that budget documents be certified as gender and equity responsive, with the government required to implement measures that equalize opportunities for all citizens.

State Minister for Gender and Labour, Ms. Jackie Mwebabazi, advised government institutions to view the Gender and Equity Certificate not just as a compliance measure but as a vital tool for planning and accountability. She stressed the importance of tracking resources to ensure they reach intended beneficiaries and highlighted the need for diversity in employment, procurement, and service delivery. Minister Mwebabazi also called for greater use of data, such as that from the National Population and Housing Census, to pinpoint communities facing significant opportunity gaps.

Ms. Rukia Isanga Nakadama, the Third Deputy Prime Minister, acknowledged Uganda’s decade-long implementation of gender and equity budgeting. She emphasized that national development cannot be achieved if any segment of the population is neglected, and that equitable budgeting unlocks significant economic potential. However, she also noted the ongoing need to address service delivery gaps and socioeconomic disparities, urging public officials to consistently question who benefits and who might be excluded in all decision-making processes.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/eoc-wants-public-resources-tailored-to-underserved-communities-5618114