KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SOCIAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL
ADMINISTRATION

FACULTY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

COURSE UNIT: ADVANCED SOCIAL POLICY ANALYSIS

COURSE CODE: SA 321

YEAR:III

SEMESTER:I

LECTURER: VENESIO B. BHANGYI & RICHARD

AINOMUGISHA

TASK: 31st OCTOBER 2020

NAME REG NO SIGNATURE

KEMIGISHA SHEENA 17/U/12958/SSD/PD
CHRISTINE
NUWAGABA ARETHA 17/U/13619/SSE/PD
MUBIRU RONALD 17/U/13039/SSD/PD
NAMALA ZAKIA 17/U/13145/SSD/PD
NEKESA WINNIE 17/U/13219/SSD/PD

COURSEWORK II
 THE GENDER POLICY

The Government of Uganda's first National Gender Policy (NGP) was approved in 1997. The
policy provided a legitimate point of reference for addressing gender inequalities at all levels of
government and by all stakeholders.

1). Brief problem Description

The aim of this policy is to guide and direct at all levels, the planning, resource allocation and
implementation of development programmes with a gender perspective.

The emphasis on gender is based on the recognition of "gender" as a development concept in

identifying and understanding the social roles and relations of women and men of all ages, and
how these impact on development. Sustainable development necessitates maximum and equal
participation of both gender in economic, political, civil and social-cultural development.

Uganda is a patriarchal society where men are the dominant players in decision making, although
women shoulder most reproductive, productive and community management responsibilities,
many of which are not remunerated or reflected in national statistics.

The lower status of women, in comparison to men is due to gender imbalances that arise from the
unequal opportunities and access to and control over productive resources and benefits.

Statistics show that although women in Uganda constitute 70% to 80% of the agricultural labour
force, only 7% own land and only 30% have access to and control over proceeds. Women's
productivity is further hampered by inadequate access to credit and general lack of skills and
appropriate technology due to high level of illiteracy, poverty and inadequate flow of and access
to information. Few women get loans from the traditional financial institutions because they do
not have collateral. A survey on women's participation in the Rural Farmers Scheme of Uganda
Commercial Bank (1992) revealed that of the 27,233 women who applied for assistance as
individuals, only 5,117 were assisted; of the women who applied in groups totalling 1,616, only
335 women groups were assisted; and of mixed groups consisting 50% women, the bank assisted
only 727 groups out of 2,116 which applied.
In the education sector, gender imbalances are evident in the literacy rates as well as in access to
education. The Population and Housing census (1991) shows that 61.3% of females are illiterate
as compared to 38.7% males. This shows that women comprise of the greatest proportion of the
illiterate population. According to the Education Review Commission report, primary level
enrolment is almost 80% for both sexes, but female participation progressively wastes away
leaving approximately 22.8% to enter University and other tertiary institutions.

Gender imbalances are equally evident in the health sector. Uganda's health indicators reveal that
the health status of the population, particularly that of women and children is poor. This is partly
attributed to the long standing wars which resulted in the destruction of infrastructure, and the
deterioration of the health care system.

According to the Uganda Manpower Survey of 1988, women make up about 20% of formal
sector employment and are mainly concentrated in lower paid jobs. Women in the skilled
workers category, comprise only 26% of the total number of women in the formal sector.

To date, decision making is still predominantly a male domain. At ministerial level, 6 ministers
out of a total of 54 Ministers arc women giving a percentage of 11.1%. In the Civil Service, at
Permanent Secretary level, women make up only 19.4% of the total number in this cadre while
out of 39 Chief Administrative Officers (CAO's) 5 are women. There are 51 women
representatives in Parliament constituting, 18.5% while in the Constituent Assembly, the body
that formulated the recent constitution had 51 women (17.8%) out of the total of 286 delegates.

The National Gender Policy (2007) therefore includes provisions on gender-based violence, suh
as domestic violence, sexual harassment, trafficking in human beings, and sexual violence. 
The objectives of the Policy are as follows:
1) To reduce gender inequalities so that all women and men, girls and boys, are able to move out
of poverty and to achieve improved and sustainable livelihoods;
2) To increase knowledge and understanding of human rights among women and men so that
they can identify violations, demand, access, seek redress and enjoy their rights;
3) To strengthen women's presence and capacities in decision making for their meaningful
participation in administrative and political processes;
4) To address gender inequalities and ensure inclusion of gender analysis in macro-economic
policy formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

The purpose is to establish a clear framework for identification, implementation and coordination
of interventions designed to achieve gender equality and women's empowerment in Uganda. The
policy is a guide to all stakeholders in planning, resource allocation, implementation
and monitoring and evaluation of programmes with a gender perspective.

2). Title and description

The Government of Uganda's first National Gender Policy (NGP) was approved in 1997. The
policy provided a legitimate point of reference for addressing gender inequalities at all levels of
government and by all stakeholders. The major achievements of this policy include among
others, increased awareness on gender as a development concern among policy makers and
implementers at all levels; influencing national, sectoral and local government programmes to
address gender issues; strengthened partnerships for the advancement of gender equality and
women's empowerment and increased impetus in gender activism.
3). The Goals of the policy
The goal is to achieve gender equality and women's empowerment as an integral part of
Uganda's socio-economic development.
4). Description of the services
The priority interventions and action areas are arranged into four thematic areas; livelihoods,
rights, governance and macro-economic management. The interventions and proposed strategies
are derived from the situation analysis section. Responsibility for undertaking these interventions
lie with central government ministries, departments and agencies, local governments, civil
society organisations and the private sector.

5). Eligibility rules

The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda provides overall legal frame work for the Uganda
Gender Policy (UGP). It recognizes equality between women and men. Specifically, it provides
for gender balance and fair representation of marginalised groups; recognises the role of women
in society; accords equal citizenship rights, freedom from discrimination, affirmative action in
favour of women; and articulates specific rights of women including outlawing customs,
traditions and practices that undermine the welfare, dignity and interests of women.

6). Service delivery system

A number of stakeholders with interconnected roles and responsibilities are taking part in the
implementation of Gender and Equity Budgeting in Uganda. These are;
a. Equal Opportunities Commission: carries out the assessments of the Budget Framework
Papers, Ministerial Policy Statements and the National Budget and thereafter advise the Minister
responsible for Finance on the issuance of the Gender and Equity Certificate.
b. Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development: issues the Certificate of
compliance with gender and equity as per the advice of the Equal Opportunities Commission
drawn from the assessment findings.
c. The Parliament of the Republic of Uganda has the mandate to pass the National Budget.
Under their respective committees, Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government are
required by Parliament to present a certificate of compliance with gender and equity as a pre-
condition for budget approval.
d. Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development: The Ministry provides policy
guidance on gender and equity budgeting and also support Ministries, Departments, Agencies
and Local Governments on gender mainstreaming.
e. Civil Society Organisations mainly under the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group
umbrella notably FOWODE, UWOPA, ACFODE and UWONET among others have remained
instrumental in the area of advocacy.
f. Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs): generate plans and budgets while ensuring
they comply with gender and equity requirements.
g. The National Task force on Gender and Equity: This was created at inception to provide
support to the process. Membership is drawn from the various state institutions. These include;
Ministry of Gender labour and Social Development, Equal Opportunities Commission, Ministry
of Finance Planning and Economic Development, Civil Society Organisations, National Planning
Authority, Office of the Prime Minister, Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Education and
Sports and the Ministry of Health.
There are a number of policies that relate to gender equity in Uganda and among them includes;
i. The National Equal Opportunities Policy (2006) which emphasizes promotion of equal
opportunities by addressing issues and concerns of marginalization, discrimination, injustice,
exclusion, unfairness and inequality in access to resources, services and benefits.
ii. The Uganda Gender Policy 2007 which situates itself as the overall guiding framework for
gender mainstreaming in Uganda.
iii. The National Development Plan II 2015/16-2020/21 that feeds into the Vision 2040 is very
pronounced on inclusive growth.
iv. The National Youth Policy 2001,
v. The National Disability Policy 2006,
vi. The National Orphans And Other Vulnerable Children’s Policy 2004 and

vii. The National Policy for Older Persons among others

Gender issues cut across all development sectors and levels. Therefore assessment of progress,
outcomes and impact of interventions to address gender inequality is a shared responsibility for
all development actors and agents. However, MGLSD is responsible for coordinating M&E of
the UGP within the overall government monitoring systems and frameworks. The ministry acts
as a catalyst to other sectors on gender responsive monitoring. Process and output indicators are
periodically designed and reviewed within the Action Plan for the implementation of this policy.

7). Financing
The cross cutting nature of gender implies that the different actors/sectors have the responsibility
to finance the gender mainstreaming interventions pertinent to their respective sector.

The Uganda Development Bank (UDB) wants its operations to promote development, including
gender equality. In line with the National Development Plan it has recognised gender as one of
the cross-cutting elements. UDB is receiving a loan from EIB where 25- 30% of the loan
proceeds are provided to businesses that contribute to women’s economic empowerment and
gender equality. Those businesses are supposed to fulfil the 2X challenge financing for women
criteria that EIB has signed up to. The 2X challenge is a global initiative, founded by the G7
Global Development Finance Institutions. It sets a number of criteria that qualify as improving
gender equality, focusing on access to finance for women owned or women led businesses,
increasing women’s employment opportunities and women’s access to products and services.
8). Analysis of the policy
The major achievements of this policy include among others, increased awareness on gender as a
development concern among policy makers and implementers at all levels; influencing national,
sectoral and local government programmes to address gender issues; strengthened partnerships
for the advancement of gender equality and women's empowerment and increased impetus in
gender activism.
Implementing the Uganda Gender Policy is multi sectoral. It is premised in the
acknowledgement that the pursuit of gender equality and women's empowerment is a
responsibility for all sectors in the development arena. All actors in the public and private sectors
have a role to play in the implementation of this policy. Institutions are expected to identify entry
points and opportunities for networking and collaboration to ensure synergy and maximum
impact in addressing gender inequality.

The National Gender Policy has a legal framework and mandate for every stakeholder to address
the gender imbalances within their respective sectors.

Measures have been taken to promote the participation of women in decision making positions.
The mandatory position for women in the local governance structure has improved women's
participation in the Local Councils. The 1995 Constitution provides for 1/3 (a third) of these
positions to be filled by women. In addition, women have been empowered to contest for other
posts at this level.

Gender equality is an integral part of national development processes and reinforces the overall
development objectives in the country. This policy emphasizes government's commitment to
elimination of gender inequalities and empowerment of women in the development process.
Conclusion

The Uganda Gender Policy is an integral part of the national development policies. It is a
framework for redressing gender imbalances as well as a guide to all development practitioners.
The aim of this policy is to guide all levels of planning, resource allocation and implementation
of development programmes with a gender perspective. The emphasis on gender is based on the
recognition that "gender" is a development concept useful in identifying and understanding the
social roles and relations of women and men of all ages, and how these impact on development.
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