By Juma Nsubuga
Government entities have been urged to put more focus on gender and equity budgeting.
The call was made by the commissioner in charge of education, training, information and communication at the Equal Opportunities Commission Julius Kamya during the ongoing five day capacity building orientation for local government planners and gender focal persons on gender and equity planning and budgeting.
Kamya said that Article 21 of the constitution of the Republic of Uganda, provides for equality and freedom from discrimination whereas Article 32 provides for affirmative action in favor of groups, marginalized on basis of age, disability or any other reasons created by history, tradition or custom for the purpose of redressing imbalances which exist against them and establishment of an equal opportunities commission for the purpose of giving full effect.
“Gender and equity budgeting is a key strategy in enhancing the country’s tax base and reduces dependency” Kamya said.
He said that currently only 3million out of the population of nearly 46m people in Uganda contribute directly to the tax base.
He also added that “the NRM Manifesto talks about making steady progress in taking Uganda to modernity through job creation and inclusive development for all Ugandans but it only happen when there is gender and equity planning budgeting’
Kamya further informed participants that gender and equity planning and budgeting is needed for sustainable inclusive growth and development which is in line with the ultimate goal of the NDP III that is to increase household income and improve quality of life of Ugandans.
“Gender and equity responsive planning and budgeting ensures the issue of marginalized are specified in the national plans and budgets” he said adding that it is a best practice in development planning and responsiveness which is critical for building a better future based on unity, peace, equality, democracy, freedom and social justice among others.
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) Act 2007 provides effect to the state’s constitutional mandate to eliminate discrimination and inequalities against any individual or group of persons and take affirmative action in favour of groups marginalized on the basis of gender,age,disability among others.
The commission (EOC) has today met local government district planners from West Nile, Lango and Acholi regions.
