Uganda’s social protection sector is entering a new financial year with an expanded budget of over Shs530 billion, but persistent delivery challenges continue to undermine its impact on the most vulnerable populations.
The latest fiscal outlook from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development shows significant growth driven by increased social programmes and external financing. However, a critical gap remains between funds received and actual spending. In the previous cycle, the Ministry absorbed just 62 percent of its budget despite receiving more than 90 percent of the allocated funds.
Parliamentary scrutiny has linked the shortfall to delays in externally funded programmes, particularly the GROW initiative, which has slowed the rollout of key interventions targeting women and vulnerable groups.
For beneficiaries, the implications go beyond statistics. In Kalungu District, elderly citizens continue to face physical and financial strain accessing support under the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE).
Joseph Ssewungu Gozanga raised concerns over the burden placed on elderly beneficiaries, many of whom must travel long distances to collect their payments.
“Many beneficiaries are too old and frail to travel to sub-county headquarters to collect it,” Ssewungu said, noting that transport costs often consume a significant portion of the grant.
Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua acknowledged the challenges but emphasized that government is prioritizing expansion of coverage. He revealed plans to lower the eligibility age for elderly support from 80 to 65, significantly widening the beneficiary base.
“The matter may still require further discussion,” Obua said on decentralizing payment systems, adding that enrolling more elders remains the immediate focus.
Attention also turned to the Parish Development Model, where allegations have emerged of Parish Chiefs charging unauthorized “service fees” to beneficiaries.
Obua dismissed any justification for such charges, noting that government already provides facilitation to support implementation.
“For the last two years, government has been paying an additional Shs100,000 to all Parish Chiefs to facilitate their movement and coordination,” he said. “No Parish Chief is supposed to charge any PDM beneficiary.”
As the Ministry prepares to manage its expanded budget, the core challenge remains execution—ensuring that funds translate into accessible, timely support for those in need.
While increased funding signals commitment to social protection, the real test lies in bridging the gap between allocation and delivery, so that vulnerable citizens are not burdened in accessing the very support meant to sustain them.
