Social Protection in Uganda Beatrice Okillan Policy and Learning Manager, Social Protection Secretariat Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development

Uganda Poverty Context: 2011 24.5% - more than 7 million people - living below poverty line Significant numbers living in chronic poverty 20% of children are underweight Inequality increasing – current Gini of 0.42 Resource constraints identified as limiting access to health & education services Consistent growth – stronger base for financing SP

Social Protection Context Refer to IUPE and Health Care – free in principle NSSF and Public Service Pension - covered 700,000 families 95% of active labour force excluded from formal social protection No minimum wage – labour unions weak and fragmented Fragmented provision of social protection No clear institutional leadership on SP and no overarching policy, planning or legal framework Limited donor engagement in SP

Policy Initiation 2005-2007 Recognition of chronic poverty & limitations of existing livelihoods and emergency cash / food for work policies; MGLSD concept paper in 2005 SP Task Force led the development of SP policy International cross-GoU capacity building on social protection; 2006-2007 DFID supported design for cash transfer pilot 2007 MoFPED view– sustainability & affordability?

Policy Process: Drivers 2008-2010 2008 Kampala conference raised awareness of international interest and African experience of SP 2008, Uganda signed up to the AU’s Social Policy Framework -commitment to invest in social protection 2009 DFID funded redesign of social protection programme with MoFPED endorsement 2010 Social Protection well represented in the 5 year National Development Plan Select Committee established leading to ....Cabinet full endorsement and approval June 2010

ESP Overview Housed within the MGLSD Around $60 million / 5 years Purpose: to embed a national social protection system that benefits the poorest as a core element of Uganda’s national policy, planning and budgeting processes. Parallel processes of: Policy development Pilot implementation and Evidence generation (national and international)

Social Protection Institutional Development Creating a Social Protection Secretariat within the MGLSD Providing technical support to the SP Sub-Committee Strengthening GoU Leadership Structures on SP: Building a strong social protection team within MGLSD for policy & management of cash transfers Building cross GoU capacity for policy development, analysis and implementation Considering from the outset the long term institutional structures necessary for policy and implementation

Social Protection Policy Framework Will bring together core ‘pillars’ of the social protection policy framework in Uganda Will provide a long-term vision Significant consultation process Strategic and prioritized Underpinned by legislation as required

Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) 14 Districts 15% of the population / 600,000 beneficiaries 22,000 UGX / month (aprox. $10 usd) Experimental targeting approaches Innovative payment mechanism

Building Demand & Political Support Evaluation of cash transfer pilot will be critical Research (including by Ministry of Finance) Training and awareness raising, study tours – including political level influencing Support to civil society Communications strategy

Challenges and Opportunities Institutional: SP agenda driven by SP Directorate in MGLSD – Directorate of Labour, decent work agenda, labour legislation not prominent in Ugandan debate Political: on-going advocacy on affordability and sustainability required Opportunities Increasing development partner interest – e.g. new EU SP policy Increasing regional and international focus

Thank you and Questions?