By Barbara Nansiimbi
The Equal Opportunities Commission has disseminated the budget framework paper assessment report on compliance with gender and equity requirements for the 2026/27 financial year.
The report is disseminated under the Theme: Gender and equity responsive budgeting a requisite for monetization of Uganda’s economy through commercial agriculture, industrialization, expanding and broadening services, digital transformation and market access at the equal opportunities commission headquarters in Kampala.
“This report is prepared in fulfilment of our constitutional and statutory mandate under Article 32 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, Section 14 and 15 of the Equal Opportunities Commission Act, Cap 7, and Section 9(6)(a) and (b) of the Public Finance Management Act, Cap 171. These legal provisions require that national planning and budgeting processes promote gender and equity responsiveness and ensure that no Ugandan is left behind” said EOC boss Safia Nalule Jjuuko.
Nalule revealed that this year’s assessment report has an improvement compared to previous one’s.
She attributed the improved performances due to the number of factors including the priorities to improving the lives of the population and addressing regional issues that impede inclusive development.
She however, noted that despite some improvements, there also some declines which she attributed to the failure to highlight respective vote interventions in the consolidated programme budget framework paper and mismatch between vote budget framework paper priorities and programme priorities for ensuring financial year 2026/2027.
“Am pleased to note that the National Average performance improved from 59% in FY 2025/26 to 61.2% in FY 2026/27″ she said adding that this demonstrates growing commitment by most Programmes to integrate gender and equity considerations into plans and budgets. We commend Programmes that have responded to the Commissions previous recommendations, strengthened reporting, and deliberately allocated resources to targeted inclusive interventions” she said.
She further said that the assessment also reveals critical gaps that require urgent attention. These include misalignment between Programme and Vote.
The Equal Opportunities Commission remains committed to working collaboratively with the Ministry of Finance, Parliament, Programme Working Groups, Ministries, Departments and Agencies and all stakeholders to strengthen compliance with gender and equity requirements.
Nalule called upon all Accounting Officers and Programme Leaders to prioritise gender and equity responsiveness, address the recommendations outlined in this report, and ensure that public expenditure contributes meaningfully to reducing inequalities and expanding opportunities for all Ugandans.
