Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Second periodic report submitted by Uganda under articles 16 and 17 of the Covenant, due in 2020 *

[Date received: 9 January 2025]

List of acronyms

ACDAnti Corruption Division

ACFAgriculture Credit Facility

ACUAnti Corruption Unit

AGAttorney General

AIDSAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

AMLAAnti Money Laundering Act

ARTAnti Retro viral Therapy

ARVAnti Retroviral

AUAfrican Union

CAPChapter

CBRCommunity Based Rehabilitation

CCOCertificate of Customary Ownership

CEHURDCentre for Health and Human Rights and Development

CIDCriminal Investigation Department

CLACommunal Land Association

CSOCivil Society Organisation

DFIDDepartment of International Development

DHISDistrict Health Information System

EACOPPEast African Crude Oil Pipeline

ECDEarly Childhood Development

EOCEqual Opportunities Commission

ESCREconomic, Social and Cultural Rights

EUEuropean Union

EVMSElectronic Voucher Management System

FATFFinancial Action Task force

FGMFemale Genital Mutilation

FIAFinancial Intelligence Authority

FYFinancial Year

GBBGender Bench Book

GBVGender Based Violence

GDPGross Domestic Product

GOUGovernment of Uganda

HCHealth Centre

HCCSHigh Court Civil Suit

HISHealth Information System

HIVHuman Immuno Virus

HMISHealth Management Information System

HRBAHuman Rights Based Approach

ICESCRInternational Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

IGInspectorate of Government

IGGInspector General of Government

ILOInternational Labour Organisation

IMCInter-Ministerial Technical Steering Committee on Human rights

IMGIndigenous Minority Group

JLOSJustice Law and Order Sector

JSCJudicial Service Commission

JSIJudicial Studies Institute

KCCAKampala Capital City Authority

KIDDPKaramoja Integrated Development Program

KPKey Population

LGLocal Government

LSSPLand Sector Strategic Plan

MEMDMinistry of Energy and Mineral Development

MISManagement Information System

MoESMinistry of Education and Sports

MoGLSDMinistry of Gender Labour and Social Development

MOHMinistry of Health

MoLHUDMinistry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development

NAPBHRNational Action Plan for Business and Human Rights

NCANational Children’s Authority

NDPNational Development Plan

NGONon-Governmental Organisation

NHCCNational Housing and Construction Corporation

NHPCNational Housing and Population Census

NHRINational Human Rights Institutions

NIECDNational Integrated Early Childhood Development

NINNational Identification Number

NIRANational Identification and Registration Authority

NLPNational Land Policy

NSINational Standard indicator

NUSAFNorthern Uganda Social Action Fund

OAGOffice of the Auditor General

ODPPOffice of the Director of Public Prosecution

OFACOffice of Foreign Assets Control

OPMOffice of the Prime Minister

ORSOthers

OWCOperation Wealth Creation

PAPProject Affected Person

PBBProgram Based Budgeting

PPDAPublic Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority

PRDPPeace Recovery Development Programme

PTCPrimary Teaching College

PWDPerson with Disability

RAPResettlement Action Plan

RCMRegional Certification Mechanism

RIARegulatory Impact Assessment

RMNCAHReproductive Maternal New-born Child and Adolescent Health

ROPARegistration of Persons Act

SDGSustainable Development Goals

SGBVSexual Gender Based Violence

SHRSexual Health Rights

SLAACSystematic Land Adjudication and Certification

SRHRSexual Reproductive Health Rights

UBOSUganda Bureau of Statistics

UDHSUganda Demographic Health Survey

UGXUganda Shillings

UHCUniversal Health Care

UHRCUganda Human Rights Commission

UHSSPUganda Health Systems Strengthening Project

ULRCUganda Law Reform Commission

ULSUganda Law Society

UMFSNPUganda Multi Sectoral Food Security and Nutrition Project

UNUnited Nations

UNICEFUnited Nations Children’s Fund

UNRAUganda National Roads Authority

UNSCRUnited Nations Security Council Resolution

UPFUganda Police Force

URAUganda Revenue Authority

UTLUganda Telecom Ltd

UWAUganda Wildlife Authority

VACViolence Against Children

YLPYouth Livelihood Programme

I.Introduction

1.The Government of the Republic of Uganda has the honour to submit to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, in conformity with Article 16 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (hereinafter “ICESCR” or “the Covenant”), its Second Periodic Report under the Covenant. This Report has been compiled in accordance with the Harmonized Guidelines for Reporting by State Parties to the International Human Rights Treaties.

2.Government submitted its initial report to the Committee in 2012.The report was considered at 32nd and 34th ordinary session and concluding observations adopted at the 55th Session of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which adopted a list of issues on the report. Uganda has studied the issues raised by the Committee and has the honor to provide responses. This report, therefore, contains measures that Government has put in place since the submission of the initial report and therefore, covers the period 2012 to date. It also contains information on measures that were in existence at the time of reporting but were not captured in the initial report.

II.Background

3.Uganda remains committed to the promotion, and protection of economic, social and cultural rights.

4.The Government’s commitment for the pursuit of these rights is envisioned in the country’s long-term aspirations. These aspirations are outlined in the current National Development Plan III (2020/21–2024/25), which is in line with Uganda Vision 2040, EAC Vision 2050, Africa Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

5.The realization of these rights is informed by Uganda’s historical, constitutional and economic realities. Since 1986, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Government has been steadfast in providing an enabling environment for the private sector as a precursor to improved living conditions and overall quality of life of the people of Uganda. The Country has made significant achievements in ensuring a peaceful environment for economic growth, maintenance of macroeconomic stability, development of social and economic infrastructure and expansion of access to social services.

6.A firm foundation for socioeconomic transformation has been laid. Uganda has over the years, experienced significant expansion of economic and social Infrastructure in Energy, ICT, Transport, Health and Education. This has propelled an increase in production in agriculture, industry and services. As a result, the economy of Uganda has been growing at the rate of 6.5% per annum for the last 35 years. This is attributed to Uganda’s good governance and economic integration in the region.

7.Uganda’s socioeconomic progress is closely associated with a number of important policies that Government continues to develop, adopt and implement.

8.Starting from the economic turmoil brought on by decades of conflict and instability, Government embarked on a series of macroeconomic and trade policy reforms in the late 1980s and early 1990s, aiming to reduce inflation through fiscal and monetary discipline, avoid balance of payments crises, rehabilitate the economy and promote growth. These structural reforms are widely seen as among the most far-reaching and successful in Africa, laying the foundation for growth. With macroeconomic stability restored and national income and public revenue starting to grow rapidly, the Government introduced the Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP) in 1997. This new policy framework facilitated significant domestic spending and aid targeting the social sectors, particularly education, health and water. As socioeconomic outcomes improved, Government increasingly focused on the root causes of underdevelopment, such as physical infrastructure. The first National Development Plan (NDP I) adopted in 2010, followed by Vision 2040 and NDP II and now NDPIII guide national planning.

9.The Government registered several achievements under NDP I and II. These achievements include; prevalence of sustainable peace, security and macro-economic stability; expansion of the economy by more than 2 times from UGX 64 trillion in FY 2010/11 to UGX 128 trillion in FY 2018/19 in nominal terms; increase in national access to electricity from 11 % in 2010 to 24 % in FY 2018/19 and increase in the proportion of the labour force in paid employment from 17.3 % in FY 2011/12 to 19.5 % in FY 2016/17. According to the Report of the Annual Labour Force Survey 2018/19, the percentage of the Population in paid employment, in FY 2016/17 was 58.7%, and FY 2019/2020 was 52.1% (UNHS 2020) and 2020/2021 was 48.8% (NLFS 2021).

10.The Government recognizes the right to culture and has put in place legal, institutional and administrative frameworks to facilitate the meaningful enjoyment of the right to culture. In 1993, the Government restored traditional and cultural leaders that had hitherto been abolished at the height of the Kabaka Crisis in 1966. The Kabaka Crisis is one of the major highlights of turmoil in the political history of Uganda. The Current Government found it worthy and important to engage in conversations with the traditional leaders and this informed both the Constitution (Article 246 which guarantees the right to culture) and the Institution of Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act Cap 242 providing a legal framework on which Traditional and Cultural Institutions manage their affairs. Currently, the number of Traditional and Cultural leaders recognized in Uganda is 16.

III.Implementation Mechanisms of the Rights under the Covenant

11.Since the last reporting period in 2012, the Government has adopted various policy, legal, judicial and administrative measures that have enhanced the progressive realization of the promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural rights.

A.Legal measures

1.The Constitution of Uganda 1995

12.The 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda is the supreme law of the country and has a comprehensive Bill of Rights under Chapter 4 which provides among others for economic, social and cultural rights such as; the right to culture under Article 37 economic rights under Article 40, equality and freedom from discrimination under Article 21, protection from slavery and servitude and forced Labour under Article 25, protection from deprivation of property under Article 26, right to education under Article 30, affirmative action in favor of marginalized groups under Article 32, rights of women under Article 33, rights of Persons with Disabilities under Article 35 and rights of children under Article 34.

13.In its Preamble, the Constitution lays out the social and economic objectives and ensures a human rights-based approach to their development under the National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy. Principle XIV states that “The state shall endeavor to fulfill the fundamental rights of all Ugandans to social justice and economic development and shall in particular ensure that: all development efforts are directed at ensuring the maximum social and cultural well-being of the people and all Ugandans enjoy rights and opportunities and access to education, health services, clean and safe water, work, decent shelter, adequate clothing, food security and retirement benefits.”

14.Article 8 (A) (2) of the 1995 Constitution as amended in 2005 further stipulates that Parliament shall make relevant laws for purposes of giving full effect to the principles of national interest and common good enshrined in the national objectives and directives of state policy. It is in this regard that during the period under review, Government enacted a number of laws and undertook a number of administrative measures to give effect to social, economic and cultural rights namely:

(a)The Children Act Cap. 62 enhances protection of children in conformity with the Convention on the Rights of a Child (CRC);

(b)The Data Protection and Privacy Act, Cap. 97 protects the privacy of the individual and of personal data during the sharing of beneficiary information for social protection programs;

(c)The Mental Health Act Cap. 308 protects the rights of persons with mental illness in conformity with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD);

(d)The Human Rights Enforcement Act Cap. 12 gives effect to Article 50 (4) of the Constitution by providing for the procedure of enforcing human rights under Chapter Four of the Constitution which contains social, economic and cultural rights as provided for the ICESCR;

(e)Persons with Disabilities Act Cap. 115 provides for the respect and promotion of the fundamental and other human rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities and therefore forms the basis for the social protection of persons with disabilities;

(f)The Leadership Code Act Cap. 33 gives effect to Article 235A of the Constitution by providing for the establishment, composition, jurisdiction and functions of the Leadership Code Tribunal and strengthens the enforcement of the Code as one of the tools to fight corruption;

(g)National Environment Act Cap. 181 provides for the management of the environment for sustainable development; continues the existence of National Environment Management Authority as a coordinating, monitoring, regulatory and supervisory body for all activities relating to the environment including social impact assessment; provides for emerging environmental issues including climate change, the management of hazardous chemicals and biodiversity offsets and strategic environmental assessment; addresses environmental concerns arising out of petroleum activities and midstream operations, provides for the management of plastics and plastic products; establishes the Environmental Protection Force and provides for enhanced penalties for offences under the Act;

(h)The Anti-Money Laundering Act Cap 118 amends the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2013 and provides for the carrying out of risk assessments by accountable persons; the identification of customers and clients of accountable persons; procedures relating to suspicious transactions; and harmonises the record keeping requirements and exchange of information obligations in compliance with international practice;

(i)The Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) (Amendment Act) Cap. 227 amends the Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act, 2006 and provides for the composition of the Court, and its powers; the terms and conditions of appointment of the Head Judge and other Judges of the Industrial Court to be similar to those of the Judges of the High Court; and the appointment of the Registrar, Deputy Registrar and Assistant Registrar of the Industrial Court;

(j)The Computer Misuse Act Cap. 96 amends the Computer Misuse Act, 2011 to enhance the provisions on unauthorised access to information or data; prohibits the sharing of any information relating to a child without authorisation from a parent or guardian; prohibits the sending or sharing of information that promotes hate speech; to provide for the prohibition of sending or sharing false, malicious and unsolicited information; restricts persons convicted of any offence under the Computer Misuse Act, 2011 from holding public office for a period of ten years;

(k)The Succession Act Cap. 268 seeks to refine the definition of a customary heir or heiress to eliminate discrimination and provides for the protection of principal residential property for the benefit of the surviving spouse and lineal dependants among other things. The law also enhances equal access to property rights for women and addresses cultural/traditional and historical injustices especially against women and girls on property ownership, access and control especially after the death of their spouses;

(l)The National Council for Older Persons Act Cap. 112 provides for the establishment of the National Council for Older Persons; the objects, composition and functions of the National Council; a Secretariat of the National Council and the executive secretary and other staff; lower councils for older persons; election of representatives of older persons and provides for financial provisions of the National Council;

(m)The Building Control Act Cap. 136 consolidates, harmonizes and amends the law relating to the erection of buildings; provides for building standards establishes a National Building Review Board and Building Committees; promotes and ensures planned, decent and safe building structures that are developed in harmony with the environment;

(n)The Uganda National Bureau of Standards Act Cap. 210 amends the Uganda National Bureau of Standards Act and empowers the director to suspend or seize premises for non-compliance with national standards or to destroy perishable goods not in compliance with national standards and detrimental to health and safety of consumers. It also empowers the Minister to ban commodities, products and processes detrimental to the health and safety of consumers;

(o)The Public Finance Management Act Cap. 171 requires that plans and budgets are gender and equity responsive;

(p)Government has also issued various statutory orders under the Public Health Act Cap. 310 to safeguard the right to health.

2.Other measures

15.The Government has adopted several policies in this reporting period. These include:

The Uganda National Youth Policy, 2016 which is premised on the need to address a range of challenges that the youth face as well as harness their potential to contribute to national development;

The National Social Protection Policy, 2015 which is a policy framework aimed at reducing poverty and social economic inequalities for inclusive development through provision of platforms upon which Ugandans can build productive and sustainable livelihoods, improve social welfare and consequently reduce poverty among the vulnerable groups;

The National Child Policy, 2020 is aimed at improving the realization and enjoyment of all children’s rights to survival, development, protection and participation by all children in Uganda;

The National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2023 which aims at ensuring disability inclusiveness and putting in place measures to address discrimination of persons with disabilities.

B.Policy framework

1.Uganda Vision 2040 and National Development Plans

16.The Uganda Vision 2040 and National Development Plans (NDPs) are some of the mechanisms government has put in place to promote and protect economic, social and cultural rights. The Uganda Vision 2040 aspires to transform Uganda from a peasant to a modern country within 30 years and underscores the importance of social protection to address risks and vulnerabilities. These aspirations were incorporated in NDPI (2010/11–2014/15), NDPII (2015/16–2019/20), and NDPIII (2020/21–2024/25) which provide the planning framework for Uganda. The NDPs are implemented through five-year cycles.

17.Government is implementing the NDP III with the overall aim of achieving sustainable industrialization for inclusive growth, employment and wealth creation.

18.To ensure inclusive development, the NDP III has adopted the Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) with particular attention to human rights principles of equality and non‑discrimination, empowerment and participation and attention to vulnerable groups.

2.National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights

19.Government is implementing the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR) 2021 which provides guidance for both state and non-state actors, in order to ensure that all business operations are conducted in line with human rights standards, so as to contribute to positive human rights outcomes including creation of jobs, provision of health services and contributing to the advancement of equality by providing opportunities for marginalized groups.

3.The National Action Plan on Human Rights (NAP)

20.The National Action Plan on Human Rights (NAPHR) is yet to be approved by the Cabinet, however its implementation is ongoing through targeted activities and interventions by various Government institutions within the overall framework of their specific mandates. This is backed by the National Development Plan III (NDP III) which references the NAP on Human Rights as a guiding document for implementation of Government programs under a human rights-based approach.

21.The development of the National Action Plan on Human Rights includes consultations with the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Office of the President, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Information Technology and National Guidance, the National Resistance Movement Secretariat, with input from a number of actors, including civil society, academia, community-based organizations, religious and cultural leaders among others. The NAP on Human Rights will thereafter be submitted to Cabinet for approval.

22.The NAP has the vision of: A Ugandan Society Based on Respect for Human Rights and Committed to the Human Rights Based Approach for Sustainable and Inclusive Development. The objective of the NAP is to provide a comprehensive guide on the promotion and protection of human rights in Uganda.

4.Publication of Annual Reports

23.The UHRC and EOC in line with their statutory mandates compile and publish annual reports on the situation of human rights in the country. In May 2024, the Uganda Human Rights Commission published its 26th Annual Report on Uganda’s Human Rights and Freedoms Situation of 2023. This, and other UHRC reports are presented to the Human Rights Committee of Parliament for follow-up and accountability on the implementation of its recommendations by all ministries, departments and agencies of Government.

24.The Annual Reports of the UHRC and EOC reflect the Government’s efforts or interventions in the promotion and protection of human rights. They also highlight the concerns that require redress to victims and castigation of the perpetrators of human rights violations. In this regard, the Annual Reports of the UHRC and EOC provide a benchmark for accountability for human rights observance in the country.

5.Inter-Ministerial Committee on Human Rights

25.Government established an Inter-Ministerial Technical Steering Committee on Human Rights. The Committee is composed of representatives of ministries, departments and agencies of Government. The mandate of this Committee is to provide technical support, to coordinate and assess Uganda’s state reporting and human rights recommendations from treaty bodies and other international reporting mechanisms.

26.Focal points have been created to ensure that human rights programs and policies are mainstreamed in their respective institutions.

C.Institutional Mechanisms

27.The Judiciary plays an important role in protecting and promoting human rights. Article 50 of the Constitution guarantees the enforcement of rights and freedoms, which is operationalized by the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act Cap. 12.

28.The Uganda Human Rights Commission considers complaints from individuals, agencies among others on human rights and through its reports, makes recommendations which are aimed at ensuring that the rights of all citizens are protected and respected.

29.The Parliament passes Rules of Procedure that guide the different Parliamentary Committees on Human Rights and Equal Opportunities in monitoring Government compliance with national and international human rights instruments to which Uganda is a party. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Rights of Parliament is also given the mandate to oversee government bodies and ensure that the human rights guarantees stated in the Constitution and other Acts of Parliament are upheld by the Government. In this regard, the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights also considers justification for legislation that advances protection of human rights among others.

30.The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Rights further follows up on Government’s periodic reports to international human rights monitoring bodies, examines recommendations of the UHRC reports and ensures that Government is held accountable.

31.The Industrial Court adjudicates cases relating to workers’ rights and is constituted by the two Judges and other members representing workers and employers. The Equal Opportunities Commission Tribunal handles cases of discrimination and marginalization in line with the Constitution and Equal Opportunities Commission Act Cap. 7.

IV.Reporting on the Substantive Provisions

Article 1Right to Self-Determination

1.Domestication of the ICESCR (SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

32.Uganda has domesticated provisions of the Covenant into various legislation to give effect to its provisions in its entirety in line with SDG 16. These include: Public Finance Management Act, Cap. 171 which provides for gender and equity responsive planning and budgeting; the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Act, Cap. 126 that protects women and men living with HIV from discrimination on the basis of their HIV status; the Succession Act Cap. 268 which domesticates Articles 3 and 4 of the Covenant; the Prevention and Prohibition of Human Sacrifice Act, Cap. 129 which criminalizes the act of human sacrifice and domesticates Article 15 of the Covenant and the 2012 Employment (Sexual Harassment) Regulations that give effect to the provisions on sexual harassment in the Employment Act, Cap. 226 which domesticates Articles 6 and 7 of the Covenant.

33.The Courts of law continue to adjudicate upon rights recognised in the ICESCR such as rights to health and maternal health. In 2017, the High Court affirmed the right to health and outlined Government’s obligation under international law to devote special attention and resources to vulnerable women in the case of CEHURD, Mubangizi Michael & Musimenta Jennifer VS Mulago National Referral Hospital &AG CS 212/2013.

34.In 2020, the Constitutional Court in the ruling in the case of CEHURD&3 Others Vs Attorney General (Constitutional Petition of 16 of 2011) [2020], the Court directed Government to prioritise and provide sufficient funds in the national budget for maternal health care. The provisions of international instruments including ICESCR were cited in the ruling. Government was urged to provide adequate equipment and supplies for preventive, diagnostic and curative services. This case affirmed the justiciability of social – economic rights.

35.The budget allocation to the health sector in the past five years increased from UGX 1.271 trillion in FY 2015/16 to UGX 3.3 trillion in FY 2021/22. Funds are equitably rationed using a budget allocation formula which incorporates variables such as catchment population, disease burden and geographical location. In the last five years, Uganda National Referral Hospitals increased from 2 to 5; Specialised hospitals increased from 2 to 5; 2 General hospitals (Kayunga and Yumbe) have been renovated, expanded, equipped and upgraded to Regional Referral Hospitals. A total of 158 Health Centre (HC) IIs were completed in FY 2018/19 and 2019/20 under the Uganda Inter-Governmental Fiscal Transfer Reform Program and the remaining 173 are being upgraded in a phased manner under various programs; UgIFT, URMCHIP and Karamoja Infrastructure Development Project.

36.The Judiciary through the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) has incorporated economic, social and cultural rights in its training curriculum to ensure promotion and protection of human rights. The training has enriched and informed the adjudication of cases on ESCR. In the case of Mifumi & Others v Attorney General and Anor Constitutional Appeal 13/2015, the Judiciary declared that the precondition for the refund of a bride price upon dissolution of a customary marriage was unconstitutional.

2.The Judiciary (SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

37.Government remains committed to the effective and efficient operation of the Judiciary by addressing constraints that affect its performance in line with SDG 16. The independence of the Judiciary has been strengthened by the enactment of the Administration of the Judiciary Act Cap. 4 making it a self-accounting institution and providing for its effective and efficient administration. It is envisaged that with this financial autonomy, the performance of the Judiciary will be enhanced and strengthened. The Judiciary has been keen in coming up with strategies to ensure access to justice for persons with disabilities. The draft Judicature (Cases involving Persons with Disabilities) Rules aim at providing judicial officers guidance in handling cases involving persons with disabilities as witnesses, victims and accused persons.

38.Resources allocation for the Judiciary has been gradually increased from UGX 127.798Bn in 2018/19 to UGX 125.931Bn in 2019/20 and UGX 141.808Bn in 2020/21 to UGX 376.9BN in 2021/2022, 381.6Bn in FY 2022/2023.

39.The human resource shortfalls continue to be addressed with the appointment of more judicial officers. As of September, 2024, Uganda had a total number of 655 judicial officers as follows: 10 Supreme Court justices, 13 Court of Appeal/Constitutional Court justices, 67 High Court judges, 12 Acting Judges, 1 Chief Registrar, 10 Registrars, 2 Acting Registrars, 36 Deputy Registrars, 7 Acting Deputy Registrars, 22 Assistant Registrars, 1 Acting Assistant Registrar, 88 Chief Magistrates, 2 Acting Chief Magistrates, 10 Senior Principal Magistrate Grade 1, 20 Principal Magistrate Grade 1, 1 Acting Principal Magistrate Grade 1, 32 Senior Magistrates Grade 1, 2 Acting Senior Magistrate Grade 1, 304 Magistrates Grade 1, and 16 Magistrates Grade II. The table below shows a breakdown.

Summary (by gender)

Category	Female	Male	Total
Justices & Judges	49 (48.03%)	52 (51.48%)	101
Registrars	48 (60.7%)	31 (39.2%)	79
Magistrates	228 (47.8%)	247 (52%)	475
Total	325 (49.46%)	332 (50.5%)	655

40.Currently, the Government is in the process if recruiting more judicial officers to ensure access to justice and efficiency in adjudication.

3.Land Rights (SDG15 – Life on Land)

41.Government continues to implement the National Land Policy (NLP) 2013 and is taking measures to harmonise the land related laws with the NLP to protect customary landowners and the rights of indigenous persons to land in line with SDG 15.

42.In 2013, the Government developed the Land Sector Strategic Plan (LSSP) II (2013–2023) to provide the operational framework for advancing land sector reforms necessary to safeguard Uganda’s land tenure system and rights for land users, streamline and modernize land ownership, encourage optimal use of land and natural resources and facilitate broad based socio-economic advancement without over burdening and threatening the natural ecological balance.

43.Under LSSP II (2013-2023) the reform of the comprehensive policy, legal and regulatory framework commenced and will continue to provide legal, regulatory and operational guidelines for implementing the NLP and Physical Planning Act Cap. 142, to harmonise and streamline for a rational, accessible, transparent and efficient land administration and land management system.

44.A Gender Strategy for the NLP implementation 2016 on land was developed to ensure that land rights of particularly women are enhanced during land policy implementation.

45.Government has commenced the review of land related laws to ensure that they are consistent with the NLP. These laws include the Land Act Cap. 236 Registration of Titles Act Cap. 240, Survey Act Cap. 241, Surveyors’ Registration Act Cap. 303 and the Architects Registration Act Cap. 297.

46.The review of these laws is aimed at making land administration and management services more effective and efficient. Government is undertaking stakeholder consultations on the Land Acquisition Bill which seeks to repeal the Land Acquisition Act Cap. 235 and make the acquisition of land for Government infrastructure projects expeditious. The Valuation Bill, 2019 will provide a framework for regulating, managing and supervising valuation services and also strengthen and empower the office of the Chief Government Valuer to handle compensation matters. There are administrative measures in place including the requirement for spousal consent before compensation to protect women in marriage, and the need for valid identification before land compensation/payment.

47.The Supreme Court passed a judgement in 2015 [UNRA Vs. Irumba Asuman & Peter Magelah Constitutional Appeal 2/2014] that reasserted the constitutional right to protection from deprivation of property under Article 26. The Court ruled that section 7(1) of the Land Acquisition Act which provides for the taking over of land before prior compensation was contrary to Article 26(2) of the Constitution and therefore null and void. This ruling informed the proposals for the amendment of the Land Acquisition Act to bring it in conformity with the Constitution.

48.The MLHUD together with MoJCA are finalizing the National Eviction Guidelines. MLHUD is developing a National Values Databank in order to set uniform values for different areas across the country, which will in turn help to standardise compensation rates and has rolled out the National Information System in the Ministry Zonal Offices.

49.Government has incorporated 600 Communal Land Associations (CLAs) as legal entities in order to secure their customary right of ownership in the districts that include; Kaabong, Kotido, Moroto, Napak, Amudat, Kakumiro, Masindi, Kikuube, Buliisa, Agago, Pader, Nwoya, Mubende and Kayunga. Women constitute a third of the composition of the area land committees and district land boards in Karamoja to secure interests of women in land matters.

50.Government has registered 3,602,321 Certificates of Customary Ownership and issued over 20,000 Certificates of Customary Ownership (CCOs) to customary landowners in Kasese, Nwoya, Pader, Soroti, Katakwi, Butaleja, Adjumani, Mbale and Kabale Districts. A total of 20,883 customary land plots have been mapped covering an acreage of 16,236.3 ha for a total number of 20,294 households of which females constitute 36% and males constitute 64%. Under the Systematic Land Adjudication and Certification (SLAAC), a total of 17,265 freehold titles are being processed for landowners in Oyam, Mbarara, Ibanda and Kiruhura. This is intended to enhance security of tenure for landowners as well as those interested in securing financial credit from financial institutions.

4.Indigenous Peoples (SDG 15 – Life on Land)

51.The Constitution in Article 10 (a) recognizes indigenous persons listed in the third schedule as persons born in Uganda or one whose parent or grandparent is a member of any of the Indigenous communities existing within the borders of Uganda as at February 1926.

52.Government recognizes the rights of all indigenous persons to access land and properties in line with SDG 15. Indigenous Persons enjoy all rights as provided in the Constitution of Uganda such as land ownership which is additionally guaranteed by the Land Act Cap. 236 and provides a legal framework for management of land and adjudication of land disputes. The Government has also made deliberate efforts to cater for the interests of the vulnerable communities. Government developed a database on ethnic minorities in 2006 that is continuously updated and guides in planning and programming for the interests of these communities.

53.The LSSP-II (2013–2023) contains strategies to ensure access to and secure tenure for vulnerable groups of people who include ethnic minorities. The strategies include; strengthening of land dispute resolution mechanisms and institutions; develop mechanisms for improving the land rights of women and vulnerable groups; Finalizing and implementing the Land Fund Regulations; public awareness campaigns and provision of public information on land rights.

54.The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), in June 2011, developed a Batwa Trail Agreement with the United Organization for Batwa Development in Uganda (UOBD) and Kisoro District Local Government to uplift the living standard of the Batwa and promote their cultural products as tourism product. The Batwa Trail has contributed to both conservation and socio-economic development and also raised awareness of the struggles of the Batwa people and elevated their opportunities both locally and regionally.

55.The need to preserve indigenous knowledge to pass on to the next generations is vital, Indigenous knowledge (IK) has a role to play for households and community well-being in Uganda. In a bid to preserve Indigenous Knowledge, the Government is in the processing of developing and consequently enacting legislation on IK.

5.Extraction Activities (SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production)

56.Following the discovery of oil in the Albertine Graben, the Government put in place the necessary policy, legal and institutional framework to govern the extractive activities in the oil and gas sector and to protect the rights of affected communities from exploitation and depravation of their land in line with SDG 12. The Policies include the Oil and Gas Policy, 2018; the Oil and Gas Revenue Management Policy for Uganda, 2012, and the Oil and Gas National Content Policy 2017. The legislation includes the Petroleum (Exploration, Development & Production) Act Cap. 161, the Petroleum (Refining, Conversion, Transmission and Midstream Storage Act Cap. 162 and implementing regulations and the Bio Fuels Act Cap. 155.

57.Government revised the Mining Policy in 2018. The revised Policy is intended to increase the development of Uganda’s Minerals and Mining Sub-Sector in a cost effective and efficient manner, through increased investment, value addition, national participation and revenue generation to contribute significantly to eradication of poverty and promote socio‑economic transformation in line with Vision 2040. In FY 2017/18, a specialised mineral laboratory was put in place and equipped. Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development is undertaking registration, sensitisation, and awareness creation among the artisanal and small-scale miners on responsible mining practices and the new policy provisions.

58.The Mining and Minerals Act Cap. 159 seeks to consolidate and reform the law relating to mineral resources to give effect to article 244 of the Constitution; to strengthen the administrative structures for the effective management of the mineral subsector to provide for the acquisition, management and dissemination of geological information ; to regulate the licensing and participation of commercial entities in mining operations to provide for Government participation in mining operations; to provide for value addition with a view of promoting local growth by reaping benefits across the whole value chain; to provide for an open, transparent and competitive process of licensing; to create a conducive environment for the promotion of exploitation of Uganda’s mineral potential; to provide for sustainable mineral marketing strategies by setting up buying and auctioning centers to provide for the formalisation of artisanal and small scale mining; to provide for national content development in mining operations to provide for the regulation and management of geothermal resources to provide for efficient and safe mining operations; to provide for decommissioning of mining infrastructure to provide for payments arising from mining operations to repeal the Mining Act, 2003.

59.Government has put in place a legal framework to govern acquisition of land with prior compensation. Acquisition of land or any interest in or right over land is only permissible within the framework established under Article 26 of the Constitution and the Land Acquisition Act Cap. 235. Government has developed Guidelines for Compensation Assessment under the Land Acquisition Policy, 2017 aimed at harmonising and improving the overall practice of valuation assessment to achieve fair and adequate compensation to Project Affected Person (PAPs). The Guidelines provide for the different types of valuation methods like valuation of land, structures on the land, crops and trees, graves, cultural heritage business and loss of income. A draft National Land Acquisition Resettlement and Rehabilitation Policy, 2018 is under consultation by stakeholders. The Policy will deal with the current challenges and constraints of resettlement and rehabilitation in the infrastructure and resource development sector.

60.The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) has developed a Communication Strategy for the oil and gas sector to deal with communication matters. Government has undertaken consultations with local communities in Moroto and Hoima before the issuance of mineral extractive licences. Government continues to sensitise Project Affected Persons(PAPs) and communities to understand the legal requirement, procedures, processes and the entire management framework of the oil and gas industry. Total E&P has established a liaison office in Hoima district to ease communication and access to information between oil companies and community members.

61.Government has taken steps to ensure that Project Affected Persons (PAPs) are prioritised in the acquisition of land for oil and gas projects. Over 10,000 Ugandans have been affected by the acquisition of land for the three key oil and gas projects [Tilenga, King Fisher and East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)]. Under the King Fisher Project, over 99% of PAPs have already been compensated and are also benefitting from various livelihood restoration programmes like the provision of chicks, livestock feed, veterinary services, support to tree nursery and vegetable gardens and training on financial literacy. Under the EACOP, compilation and disclosure of the valuation report for affected land is ongoing and compensation of PAPs was commenced in December 2021. In the Tilenga project, 95% of the PAPs have received financial literacy training, which is an important step in ensuring that the PAPs retain value from their compensation.

62.Government and oil companies hold frequent discussions with PAPs and Communities before, during and after the compensation exercise to share information on the projects. These engagements are carried out in the presence of local leaders, community elders and CSOs. In addition, regular updates are provided by Government and the Oil companies through radio and Television advertisements, print media and social media campaigns and social events such as sports and cultural events.

63.Government has also put in place a Grievance management process to resolve any misunderstandings that could arise during the RAP implementation. The process is formal, clear and well defined in the RAPs and involves representatives from the local government and PAPs. A non-judicial grievance procedure was established to respond to stakeholders’ concerns and to facilitate resolution of stakeholders’ grievances. The grievance procedure is compliant with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (2011) effectiveness criteria for project level grievance mechanisms. The grievance procedure describes the process available to stakeholders for lodging a grievance during pre‑construction, construction and pipeline operations, and is accessible to all stakeholders at no cost and without retribution.

64.Government is conducting trainings in social risk management to ensure capacity building for technical officers working in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies to enable them address social risks and identify mitigation measures in project development.

Article 2Progressive Realization of Rights

1.Non-discrimination on various grounds

65.Article 21(1) of the Constitution of Uganda guarantees all persons the right to equality and non-discrimination. This right is guaranteed to all persons, whether citizens or non‑citizens, and it binds the State as well as corporate entities. A person may not be discriminated on grounds including sex, race, color, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, social or economic standing, political opinion and disability.

66.The Constitution guarantees the protection of the vulnerable groups such as children, women, persons with disabilities and minorities and marginalised groups. Government is allowed to take affirmative action to address the imbalances which exist against the vulnerable groups.

67.Uganda in its Vision 2040 aspires to see her citizens enjoying a high quality of life with improved health and nutrition status, literacy and numeracy, housing, water and sanitation conditions and provision of social protection for the citizenry. Government recognizes the need to provide assistance to people who are vulnerable either by age, social class, location, disability, gender, disaster or do not earn any income.

68.The Human Rights (Enforcement) Act Cap. 12 provides for court redress for human rights infringements. Any person who believes that the State is not taking adequate steps for the progressive realization of rights and freedoms guaranteed under Chapter Four of the Constitution and international treaties can file a case in the High Court for redress. Where a competent Court concludes that a specific right or freedom cannot be realised due to resource constraints, it makes orders to compel the State to take measurable steps to realize that right or freedom.

69.Government enacted the Equal Opportunities Commission Act Cap. 7 to operationalize Articles 21 and 32 of the Constitution which guarantee freedom from discrimination. The Act established the Equal Opportunities Commission whose mandate is to give effect to the State’s constitutional mandate to eliminate discrimination and inequality amongst any individual or group of persons on several grounds including social, political, economic and cultural rights and any other reason created by history, tradition or custom for the purpose of redressing imbalances.

70.The EOC Tribunal has the powers of court and since it was established in 2014, it has concluded 2,732 cases relating to discrimination, marginalization and exclusion. Additionally, Article 50 (1) of the Constitution provides that any person who claims that a fundamental or other right or freedom guaranteed under this Constitution has been infringed or threatened is entitled to apply to a competent court for redress which may include compensation. This Article is augmented by Section 23 of the EOC Act which provides that any person or group of individuals may lodge a complaint relating to discrimination and the complaint must be heard within six months. The Commission conducts tribunal hearings relating to discrimination and appropriate remedies including compensation, declaratory orders and recommendations are granted. The Commission also carries out investigations into matters of discrimination and marginalization and makes recommendations to the Minister.

71.Uganda has zero tolerance to discrimination and has, to this end, continued to uphold the provisions of the Constitution relating to non-discrimination on grounds of sex, ethnic affiliation (Article 21), religion (Article 29), disability (Article 35). Uganda considers the existing legislation on non-discrimination sufficient. However, Government through the Uganda Law Reform Commission reviews legislation to ensure that it is in tandem with prevailing social, cultural, political and international context.

72.The Equal Opportunities Commission(EOC) has also continued to monitor, evaluate and ensure that policies, laws, plans, activities, practices, traditions, culture, usage and customs of government, MDAs, private sector, NGOs, social and cultural communities are compliant with equal opportunities and affirmative action in favor of groups marginalized on the basis of sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, creed, social and economic standing, political opinion, disability, gender, age or any other reason created by history, tradition or custom. The EOC ensures that there is compliance in gender and equity in the national planning and budgeting. Budgets that are not compliant are not approved by Parliament.

2.Data Collection (SDG 5 – Gender Equality)

73.The Uganda Bureau of Statistics Act Cap. 333 mandates the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) to coordinate, monitor and supervise Uganda’s national statistical system. Data is collected on population, housing, social welfare and education, labor, health, employment and other data and is used for analysis, planning, administration, decision making, project implementation and monitoring and evaluation. UBOS follows the UN principles of official statistics in collecting data.

74.Government uses the National Standard Indicator (NSI) Framework under UBOS to provide a guide for the formulation of Program Based Budgeting (PBB) and planning outcomes and their associated indicators for all sectors. It is a four hierarchical framework covering policies, strategies, Programmes and work plans (operations). The NSI framework is used for various reasons including as a domestic indicator framework for tracking Uganda’s progress against international and regional development commitments specifically the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Agenda 2063 of the African Union (AU).

75.UBOS continues to strengthen the production of sex and gender disaggregated statistics to avail information for gender-responsive policy formulation, planning, and monitoring in line with SDG 5. Furthermore, UBOS developed the National Priority Gender Equality Indicators in 2016, aligning them with NDP III, Sector Development Plans and the SDGs.

76.UBOS collects data on a number of human rights indicators and has produced statistical abstracts with the data on some indicators including economic, social and cultural rights. These include; 91% of the households access healthcare within a 5 km radius; The use of tobacco in Uganda has consistently reduced from 11% in 2012/13 to 5% in 2016/17 and to 3% in 2019/20; 83% of households use pit latrines; 79% of households have access to improved sources of drinking water; 96% of households are within 3.0 Km of the main drinking water source; The average time taken to and from the drinking water source is 22 minutes; 42% of communities reported that safe water sources had improved.

77.According to UNHS (Uganda National Household Survey) 2019/20, the literacy rate is higher for males (81%) compared to females (72%) in 2019/20; Primary school Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for Uganda was estimated at 117 % in 2019/20; Primary GER for girls stands at 118% ; Primary GER for boys stands at 116%; Secondary school GER in Uganda is estimated at 30 %; 33% of communities reported having at least a government primary school within the LC1.

78.According to the Education Master list, 2019, there were about 51,000 Education Institutions in the country in 2019; 80% of Parishes and 65% of Sub-counties have a Primary and Secondary School respectively; 86% of Education Institutions were either pre-primary, primary or both; Enrolment in pre-primary schools was about 2,000,000 pupils with slightly more females (50.3%) than males (49.7%); there were 36,565 Primary schools; 66% privately owned and 34% government aided.

79.Total enrolment in all primary schools was 10.6 million pupils, 68% in government aided schools. The gender parity gap at primary level has been closed with enrolment at 50% for both boys and girls; There were 5,550 secondary schools in 2019; School ownership is such that 66% of primary schools and 78% of secondary schools are privately owned; Only 3% of Education Institutions were Tertiary institutions; Out of the 10.6 million pupils enrolled in Primary, 68% were in government schools; Overall, there were more female than male teachers (Care Givers) at Pre-Primary level, and More Male than female teachers at all other levels.

80.According to the UNHS 2019/20 findings, solar kit (27%) is the main source of lighting, followed by grid electricity (19%) and the least source of lighting used is candles (1%). Overall, 56% of the households in Uganda use electricity for lighting [i.e solar kit (27%), grid electricity (27%) and solar home system (11%)].

3.Maximum Available Resources (SDGs 3, 4 and 11)

81.Government allocation to the health sector in the year 2018/19 was 7.2 percent, up from 6.4 percent spent in FY 2017/18. The average expenditure on the health sector in the last nine years stood at 7.9 percent. Budget allocation to health in the past five years increased from UGX 1.271 trillion in FY 2015/16 to UGX 3.3 trillion in FY 2021/22. Funds are equitably rationed using a budget allocation formula which incorporates variables such as catchment population, disease burden and geographical location. In the last five years, Uganda National Referral Hospitals increased from 2 to 5; Specialised hospitals increased from 2 to 5; 2 General hospitals (Kayunga and Yumbe) have been renovated, expanded, equipped and upgraded to Regional Referral Hospitals. A total of 158 Health Centre (HC) IIs were completed in FY 2018/19 and 2019/20 under the Uganda Inter-governmental Fiscal Transfer Reform Program and the remaining 173 are being upgraded in a phased manner under various programs; UgIFT, Uganda Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health Implementation Plan and Karamoja Infrastructure Development Project.

82.Government remains committed to progressively increasing the budget in social protection, health, housing, agriculture and education sectors in line with SDG 3, 4 and 11. The Budget allocation for the MoGLSD increased from UGX 62 billion in 2014 to UGX 120.7 billion. By 2016/2017 financing for Social Protection was estimated at 0.78% of GDP, of which approximately 70% was provided by development partners. The GOU funding to Social Protection is mainly to the Public Service Pension Scheme which accounts for 0.22% of GDP. More specifically, the scaling up of Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment Programme (SAGE) a direct income support component of the National Social Protection Policy. Through this programme, a grant known as the Senior Citizens Grant(SCG), older persons in Uganda are provided with cash transfers. The approved domestic development expenditure increased in 2016/17 to 79.5 percent from 54.6 percent in 2015/16. Other government contribution is through social protection programmes such as; NUSAF, Youth Livelihoods Programme, and Special Grants to PWDs. Contributory social security is financed from contributions from employers and workers.

83.Financing for Social Protection stands at 0.7% of GDP, which is one of the lowest compared to other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa as illustrated below. Before the third National Development Plan (NDP III) 2020/21–20024/25 started to be implemented in FY2020/21, social protection actions were funded and implemented under the social development sector. In NDP III, social development is part of the Human Capital Development (HCD) programme. The budget share of expenditures on the social development sector (excluding LIPWs and PSPS) declined from 0.74% in FY2016/17 to 0.48% in FY2021/22, while the budget for Public Service Pension Scheme which takes the largest share of Social Protection Funding increased from 0.66% in FY2016/17 to 2.0% in FY2021/22 due to improved wage structures for public servants.

84.According to the National Budget Framework Paper by MFPED, in FY 2021/22, the sector allocation to the Social Development sector is estimated at UGX 156.2 billion, representing a 10.8% increase from FY 2020/21. Social Protection and Livelihoods Enhancement attracted over 78.0 billion under the social development sector and falls under three NDP III programmes; Human Capital Development, Community Mobilization and Mindset Change and Governance and Security programmes.

85.The total budget allocation to the education sector has gradually increased from 20,401.33BN in financial year 2016/2017 to 35,732.12BN in financial year 2020/2021. Government increased budget allocation for inspection and supervision of education institutions by 73% from UGX 8.83 BN in FY 2016/17 to UGX 15.46 BN in FY 2020/21. Funding of UGX 14.4BN annually has been provided to procure instructional materials for primary schools during the reporting period.

86.Budget allocation to health in the past five years increased from UGX 1.271 trillion in FY 2015/16 to UGX 3.3 trillion in FY 2021/22. Funds are equitably rationed using a budget allocation formula which incorporates variables such as catchment population, disease burden and geographical location.

4.National Human Rights Institution (SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

87.The Uganda Human Rights Commission is established by Article 51 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and operationalized by the Uganda Human Rights Commission Act Cap. 26 and the Uganda Human Rights Commission Procedure Rules No. 22 of 1998.

88.The Government has continued to take measures to strengthen the UHRC in line with SDG 16. The UHRC Act Cap. 26 was reviewed by the Uganda Law Reform Commission (ULRC) in 2024 with the objective of bringing it in line with the 1991 Paris Principles on independence, composition and funding of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs). The budget allocation of the UHRC increased from UGX 13.3 billion in 2016 to UGX 21.4 billion in FY 2019/20. The budget reduced due to budget cuts across government arising from COVID-19 effects. However, the GOU has over the years progressively increased funding to the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) to facilitate the performance of its functions. The GOU financing for the FY 2021/2022 stands at 20.897 billion shillings which is an increase from 18.903 billion shillings in the previous financial year. Cumulatively, the total financing for both the GOU and development partners to-date stands at 21.876 billion shillings.

89.In regard to staffing levels, the UHRC has a total of 193 staff members. It is noteworthy that the Government fully instituted the Commission to enable it have quorum for the tribunal and therefore, perform its functions.

90.Government is committed to implementing the decisions of the UHRC Tribunal and following up on the recommendations made in its annual reports. Government released UGX 7.9 billion for FY 2021/22 to pay costs and compensation to victims who have suffered human rights violations. Parliament considers the UHRC annual human rights reports and summons the concerned MDAs to provide appropriate responses and makes necessary recommendations for accountability. In addition, these recommendations guide MDAs in the process of compliance and progressive realisation of economic social and cultural rights.

5.Corruption (SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

91.Government of Uganda has continued to expand its policy, legal and institutional framework and further strengthened the anti-corruption enforcement actions.

92.In 2018, Government passed the Zero Tolerance to Corruption Policy 2018, to provide, guide and support a holistic framework for fighting corruption in Uganda for national transformation and development. In 2019, Government developed and adopted the fifth National Anti-Corruption Policy 2019–2024 to guide in the implementation of the Zero Tolerance to Corruption Policy, 2018. In addition, various anti-corruption legislative amendments have been enacted and passed into law including; the Anti-Money Laundering Act Cap. 117, the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act Cap. 205 the Leadership Code Act Cap. 33; in 2017, the Judiciary adopted the Anti-Corruption Court Division Case Management Rules; the Anti-Corruption Act Cap. 116 to provide for the confiscation of properties belonging to convicts of corruption, the Leadership Code Act Cap. 33, and the Whistle Blowers Protection Act Cap. 34 and the attendant Regulations of 2015 intended to protect whistle blowers in all aspects including anti-corruption matters.

93.Following the amendment of the Leadership Code Act in 2017, the Leadership Code Tribunal (LCT) was set up and the members appointed and sworn in on 25th July 2020. The Tribunal is appointed by the President acting on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission and with approval of Parliament. The Tribunal is responsible for enforcing the Leadership Code Act Cap. 33 and handling cases of public officers who breach the Code. In FY 2022/23, the LCT received twenty-seven (27) cases from the Inspectorate of Government and expeditiously concluded 25 (93%) cases with a conviction rate of 86%. The categories are illustrated below with failure to declare comprising 63% of the cases handled.

94.For the period from 1st July, 2020 to 30th September, 2022, State House Anti‑Corruption Unit (SHACU)recovered a total amount of UGX 41.6 billion from inflated Covid-19 relief food prices; UGX 4.5 billion from Local Governments; UGX 3.6 billion from inflation compensation of Bukasa Inland Port Affected Persons; and UGX 2.9 billion worth of drugs stolen from the Joint Medical Stores. In FY 2022/23, SHACU received over 2,500 actionable complaints of which 1,081 were corruption related. Of these cases, 210 were forwarded to the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and several of them handled. Common complaints related to mismanagement of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.

95.Anti-corruption enforcement, both criminal and administrative has also progressively been enhanced. For instance, in FY 2020/21 the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) completed 96.4% of planned audits, the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) completed 112.86% planned performance audits, and 120% of planned preparatory audits. In FY 2022/23, the OAG conducted 2,856 (71.5%) audits out of planned 3,996, while the PPDA conducted 243 procurement and disposal audits, out of the planned 320 audits. The low performance is attributed to limited resources. In terms of budget coverage, the OAG planned audits translated to 97% (UGX 43.42Tn) of the approved national budget for FY 2021/22.

96.In FY 2022/23, The Anti-Corruption Agencies registered a 114.2% (1,320) performance in investigation of corruption cases above set annual targets. Out of this total, the Inspectorate of Government (IG) investigated and concluded 796 cases which represents 93% of the annual targeted 852. This is also 275 cases more than those investigated and completed in the previous financial year. These investigations recommended recovery of funds amounting to UGX16,195,317,758. Additionally, 251 administrative actions were issued against officers who were found culpable in various investigations while 26 Officials were recommended for prosecution for their involvement in corrupt tendencies.

97.To eliminate impunity, the Anti-Corruption Court Division(ACD) was strengthened with addition of more judges. Since FY 2016/17 to FY 2021/22, it posited an average case clearance rate of 101.9%. In FY 2022/2023, the ACD posited a case clearance rate of 109.92% with a corresponding conviction rate of 64.5% for prosecutions by both IG and ODPP. The overall disposal of corruption cases at the ACD for FY2022/23 was 58.44, one of the highest among the High Court Divisions.

98.In bid to disincentivize corruption, Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) prosecutions led to recovery of UGX16bn of corruptly diverted funds and property during the FY 2022/23. Further, the IG’s interventions out of court resulted in Government saving UGX38bn of public funds from being illicitly diverted. During the FY 2022/23, provisional analysis of the available OAG information indicated that the Value of assets recovered as a direct result of the Auditor General’s reports was UGX 259.6Bn and financial loss averted amounted to UGX35.4Bn.

99.Arising from the investigations, 321 corruption cases were prosecuted before the Anti‑Corruption Court Division of the High Court (ACD), registering a performance of 86.76% against set target. The IG (47%), Leadership Code Tribunal (LCT) (86%), and ODPP (82%) registered an average conviction rate of 71.7% from the 321 cases prosecuted. For instance, 254 government employees were prosecuted by the ODPP and IG, of these 59 public officials were convicted of corruption related offences and barred from holding public offices. The ban is for a period of 10 years from the dates of their respective convictions as required under Section 46 of the Anti-Corruption Act.

6.Civil Society (SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

100.Government remains committed to the respect of freedom of association, expression and assembly including the formation of civic organisations in line with SDG 16. Government recognises the role that the NGO sector plays in Uganda’s democratic and development process, and has therefore continued to strengthen its cooperation with civil society through various measures.

101.The Non-Government Organisations (NGO) Act Cap. 109 provides a conducive and enabling environment for the NGO sector, strengthens and promotes the capacity of NGOs and their mutual partnership with Government, streamlines the legal, policy and regulatory framework of the NGO sector and stipulates the obligations of NGO sector, MDAs and other stakeholders. Under the NGO Act Cap 109, the NGO Bureau was strengthened and made an autonomous entity with, corporate personality, and a board of directors, comprising of Government representatives and two NGO representatives.

Article 3Non-discrimination and Equality

1.Steps to eliminate direct and indirect discrimination based on sex (SDG 5 – Gender equality)

102.The Government is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination and has in place legislative, policy and institutional framework to fight any form of discrimination in line with SDG 5.

103.Article 21 of the Constitution provides for equality of all persons before the law in all spheres of political, economic, social and cultural life. This in essence guarantees protection of the right to employment, health, housing and other related rights for all persons. The Constitution prohibits discrimination on ground of sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, social or economic standing, political opinion or disability.

104.Uganda is a signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and Government has domesticated its provisions in the laws, for instance in the Domestic Violence Act Cap. 123, and the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act Cap. 133. There is specific legislation to protect vulnerable groups against any form of discrimination. These include; the Equal Opportunities Commission Act Cap. 7, the Children Act Cap. 62, the Mental Health Act Cap. 308, the Prevention and Prohibition of Human Sacrifice Act Cap. 129, and The Persons with Disabilities Act Cap. 115.

105.There are deliberate government interventions intended to address any form of discrimination arising from historical social imbalances. The interventions deliberately target redressing the imbalances against; persons with disability, persons with mental illness, women and girls. During the tenure of the 10th Parliament, 136 women legislators were trained to equip them with knowledge and skills for effective gender responsive legislation.

106.The Government of Uganda does not arrest or prosecute any persons on the basis of their sexual orientation as the same would be contrary to its constitutional and statutory framework. However, no one is above the law regardless of rank, status or sexual orientation. The Anti-Homosexuality Act Cap. 117 arises from the Constitution and reflects the aspirations of the Ugandan people and conform to their acceptable social and cultural norms. There is no targeted or deliberate action by any institution to discriminate, stigmatize and harass or met out violence against people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. In 2024, the Constitutional Court passed judgment in the case of Hon. Fox Odoi-Oywelowo and 21 others v Attorney General and 3 others (Consolidated Constitutional Petition No. 14, 15, 16 & 85 of 2023) to the effect that the Anti-Homosexuality Act was not substantially in contravention of the Constitution because it was enacted in accordance with Objective 1 (1) of the Constitution’s National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy. The Court therefore interpreted the Constitution and considered the inherent right to dignity against the right to communal cultural dignity of the Ugandan society and arrived at the conclusion that societal norms and aspirations are demarcated as another unique facet of Uganda’s constitutional morality.

107.Government in FY 2013/14 granted the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) its own vote (Vote 124) in the National Budget. Its staffing level was increased from 26 personnel in FY 2013/14 to 50 in FY 2016/17. Government’s budgetary allocations to the EOC have progressively increased over the financial years. For instance, in the FY 2015/2016, the Commission’s budget was UGX 7.5 billion. However, it increased to UGX 13.2 billion in the FY 2018/2019, translating into an increase of 75% within the four financial years. Out of the UGX 13.2 billion for the FY 2018/2019, 23% was for wage recurrent, 64% for non‑wage recurrent, 10% for development expenditure and 3% for domestic arrears. In FY 2018/19, Government allocated the Equal Opportunities Commission UGX 6.367 billion for the establishment and operationalization of four additional EOC offices to decentralize the Commission’s work and increase women’s awareness of its services. The EOC budget however faced a slight reduction to UGX 12.28bn in 2019/2020 and UGX 12.01bn in 2020/2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic budget cuts aimed at financing the response interventions directed towards flattening the pandemic curve. In the aftermath of the COVID‑19 recovery, in FY 2021/2022, the budget slightly increased to UGX 13.27bn and for FY 2022/23 14bn and 2023/24 is 17.8 bn.

2.Discrimination on the grounds of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SDG 5 – Gender Equality)

108.The Penal Code Act Cap. 128 that provides for offences and their respective penalties is largely informed by our historical background, cultures, norms and aspirations of the people of the Republic of Uganda. That said Penal Code criminalises various offences including those unnatural such as; bestiality, incest, rape and defilement which are considered contrary to the values, customs and practices of the people of Uganda.

109.The Anti-Homosexuality Act Cap. 117 prohibits any form of sexual relations between persons of the same sex, it further prohibits the promotion and recognition of sexual relations between persons of the same sex. In Uganda, promotion of heterosexual or homosexual relations alike is prohibited in the society. Under the law, what is unacceptable is the promotion of homosexuality. The Anti-Homosexuality Act is also intended to protect children from sexual exploitation and being lured into homosexuality.

3.Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in North and Northeast Uganda (SDG 5 – Gender Equality)

110.Government remains committed to improving the lives of the people in Northern and Eastern regions of Uganda in line with SDG 5. Government has implemented several affirmative interventions to fast track the development in the Northern and Eastern regions. These include; the creation of the Ministries of Teso Affairs and Karamoja Affairs both under the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to initiate, design, coordinate, collaborate and implement special programmes and projects for the Teso and Karamoja Region. In addition, Government coordinated and implemented the Peace Recovery and Development Plan (PRDP) and resettled IDPs and promoted peace building and conflict resolution in the Northern region. Each FY Government releases UGX 5 billion for the cattle restocking program and has so far distributed 129,893 animals in the Teso Region.

111.In FY 2016/17 the implementation of the Karamoja Primary Education Program was completed with the conclusion of civil works in 21 primary schools. By June 2018, 75% of construction of 68 staff houses for health works was completed in Kaabong, Kotido and Abim districts, 85% of construction of staff houses for health workers in Napak and Moroto districts was at 40% and construction progress in Amudat and Nakapiripirit districts was at 15%.

112.NUSAF3 supported 2.9million (or half of the poor people in northern and eastern Uganda). These subregions were Bukedi, Elgon, Teso, Karamoja, Lango, Acholi, West Nile and Bunyoro. Among all the beneficiaries supported, 55% were female.

4.Equality between Men and Women (SDG 5 – Gender Equality)

113.The Government remains committed to abolishing discrimination against women and has undertaken legislative and Policy measures in line with SDG 5.

114.In addition to the Constitution, the Government continues to deliberately pass laws that seek to eradicate any form of discrimination against women and Girls including; the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act Cap. 133, 2010, the Domestic Violence Act Cap. 123, the Land Act Cap. 236 and the Succession Act Cap. 268.

115.The Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act Cap. 133 has contributed to reduced occurrences of harmful traditional practices and stereotypes in the country. Government invests funds in advocacy and public awareness on the dangers of FGM annually.

116.The Land Act Cap. 236 restricts transfer of family land without spousal consent.

117.The Domestic Violence Act Cap. 123 provides for the protection and relief of victims of domestic violence, the punishment of perpetuators of domestic violence, the procedure and guidelines to be followed by court in relation to the protection and compensation of victims of domestic violence and provides for the family and children’s court to handle cases of domestic violence.

118.The Succession Act Cap. 268 refines the definition of a customary heir/heiress to eliminate discrimination and to provide for the protection of principal residential property for the benefit of the surviving spouse and lineal dependants among other things. The law also enhances equal access to property rights for women and addresses cultural/traditional and historical injustices against women and girls on property ownership, access and control especially after the death of their spouses.

119.The Sexual Offences Bill, 2019 which is before Parliament seeks to cure defects in the existing law (Penal Code Act) and introduce new forms of sexual violence and exploitation which have emerged such as sex tourism, indecent communication. The bill also seeks to introduce a sex offenders register and enhances punishment for sexual offences. Its contents will be included in the Penal Code Amendment Act.

120.Courts continue to pronounce themselves on provisions that discriminate against women. In the case of Law and Advocacy for Women in Uganda Vs Attorney General Constitutional Petition 13/2005 court ruled that section 154 which penalises married women for the offence of adultery is discriminatory and ordered for the amendment to the Penal Code Act Cap. 128. The Court further ruled that the provisions of the Succession Act which restricted the inheritance and distribution of property to women contravened Article 21 and 33 of the Constitution and were discriminatory and therefore null and void. As a result, the Succession Act was amended in 2022 to address the discriminatory aspect in inheritance legislation and practices.

121.The object of the Marriage and Divorce Billis to reform and consolidate the law relating to marriage, separation and divorce. This is an important objective given that the marriage law on the statute books right now is the Marriage Act of 1904.The Marriage Bill is one of the most debated laws in the history of Uganda having been laid in Parliament for almost 5 decades. The Marriage and Divorce Bill was considered in the 7th Parliament (2001–2006), 8th Parliament (2006–2011), 9th Parliament, (2011–2016) and the 10th Parliament (2016–2021) without enactment owing to extreme contestation of some of the clauses of the Bill and the inability of the successive Parliaments to resolve the controversial matters in the Bill.

122.The bill has faced stiff resistance from key stakeholders such as traditionalists, Muslims and Christians alike. It addresses several issues that have been points of contention among the Ugandan public, particularly matrimonial property, polygamy, bride price, among others. The most contentious issue for the Muslims was that the bill attempted to outlaw polygamy, Christians opposed the law allegedly because it would promote promiscuity and “cheapen the institution of marriage.” Once a bill has not been considered by a previous Parliament, it requires a re-introduction to be considered by the present Parliament. Therefore, this bill shall require a formal re-introduction before it can be passed into law. Owing to the Contestations, Government is studying the provisions with a view of building consensus among the stakeholders before the bill can be re-introduced in Parliament for debate and enactment. However, the Marriage Bill, 2022 which is a private members’ bill is undergoing a legislative consultative process.

123.The Government continues to implement the National Gender Policy, 2007 with the goal to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment as an integral part of socio‑economic development and enacted the Public Finance Management Act Cap. 171 to ensure that plans and budgets are gender and equity responsive. Government passed the Sexual and Gender Based Violence Policy, 2016 and Multimedia Strategy Against Gender Based Violence, 2016 aimed at promoting and sustaining community involvement in the prevention of Gender Based Violence and the National Male Involvement Strategy for the Prevention and Response to Gender Based Violence, 2017.

124.The Judiciary developed a Gender Strategy and Policy (2012) to enhance its response to the intersecting forms of discrimination that women face in the criminal justice system. The Judicial Training Institute (JTI) developed a training module for judicial officers on gender responsive legislation. The module equips officers with developments in the field of gender justice and human rights, in order to build their capacity to work effectively on these issues. The Judiciary also has at least one female Magistrate Grade 1 in all districts, which enhances access to justice for women who would otherwise be uncomfortable appearing before male magistrates in Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and other sensitive cases.

125.The JTI developed the “Gender Bench Book (GBB): Women’s Access to Justice in Uganda” to empower judicial officers with gender-sensitive approaches in the administration of justice. The JTI also offers a curriculum on “Gender, the Law and Practice in Uganda’ that builds judicial officers” capacity to deliver judgments that reflect an awareness of women’s contemporary issues and women’s right to non-discrimination.

Article 6Right to Work (SDG 8 – Decent work and Economic Growth)

126.The Government continues to implement the National Employment Policy 2011 in line with SDG 8 and continues to pursue youth friendly programs to address the problem of unemployment among the youth. One of the programs Government has developed to enhance youth employment is the Songhai model for improving agricultural productivity and quality as well as innovation and skilling the youth. A number of youths have been trained in this model at the Kampiringisa Rehabilitation Centre.

127.Government is also implementing the Youth Livelihood Programme as a strategy to deal with youth unemployment to engage youth in income generating activities. The Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP) provides strategic and sustainable interventions for the youth to enable them effectively participate in national development and improve their quality of life. The main objective of the program is to empower the youth in order to harness their social economic potential and increase self-employment opportunities and income levels. Since 2015, Government has provided UGX 118,017,111,098 which has been disbursed to youth. A total of 14,267 youth enterprises were established benefiting 165,549 youth (89,382 males, 76,167 females). The programme is currently under implementation through the Parish Development Model of which 30% of the beneficiary funding is reserved for the youth.

128.Government of Uganda established Youth Entrepreneurship Venture Capital Fund (YVCF) in 2012 to enable the youth to take on entrepreneurship as a career path of choice. The main goal of the fund is to provide loans at youth friendly rates of 11 %, targeting small and medium scale enterprises as part of the solution to reduce the high levels of unemployment among the youth. Since 2015 a total of 48,717 youth have accessed the fund (36.5% female youth). In 2022/23, 1,874 youth enterprises were supported under Youth Venture Capital Fund.

129.Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has also provided capital to beneficiary groups to engage in business projects in the five divisions of Kampala City in 2022/23 and established an Employment Services Bureau in the Central Division to equip the youth with employable skills. The proportion of youth accessing financing services increased from 21% in 2020/21 to 24.7% in 2022/23, job creation opportunities increased by 4% and asset portfolio among the youth grew faster by 0.7%.

130.In addition, the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development (MoGLSD) in 2018/19 trained 16,526 youth in Non-formal vocational, entrepreneurial and life skills such as brick laying, tailoring, bakery, soap making and shoe making at Ntawo and Kobulin Youth Skilling Centres. As a result of these interventions, the proportion of youth receiving livelihood support increased from 0.037% in 2015/16 to 0.63% in 2018/19. In 2022/23, 426 disadvantaged youth were trained in non-formal vocational training for self-employment and wealth creation conducted at Ntawo reaching 100 youth and in Kobulin reaching 326 youth.

131.The Ministry of Education and Sports is also implementing the skilling program in the technical colleges namely Uganda Technical College Bushenyi, Uganda Technical College Lira, Uganda Technical College Elgon and Bukalasa Agricultural College to provide vocational skills to youth.

132.The Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl project started in 2017 with the aim of creating jobs among youths aged between 18–30 years with valid national Identity Cards. The Project provides trainings for females in; tailoring, hairdressing, shoemaking, knitting, weaving and embroidery; and welding, carpentry, plumbing, shoemaking, and electrical installation for the men. The Courses run for a period of six months, at the end of which Certificates are issued by the Ministry of Education. Upon completion of the course, the youth are given One Million shillings and machines as start-up capital. The project started with 661 youths and has so far benefited 10,611 females and 1,650 men. The project has been implemented in Kampala, Kabarole, Luwero, Amudat, Wakiso, and Kabale, among other districts.

133.Government initiated the Labor Externalization Program in 2015 and as of July 2017, a total of 63 companies have been licensed to place Ugandans to work in different countries. Countries where labor could be exported in an organized manner were identified so that Ugandans who got employment abroad were not exploited. Government has negotiated and continues to negotiate bilateral agreements with a number of identified countries to ensure protection of the rights of Ugandans in employment. From 2016 to December 2021, 152,113 migrant workers of whom 119,137 are female and 32,976 are males were placed in jobs outside Uganda.

134.Government has continued to undertake efforts to improve the live hood of Persons with Disabilities(PWDs). The Persons with Disabilities Act Cap. 115 provides for job quotas for PWDs in the public and private sectors. Funds for special grant for PWDs and Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) to create employment and improve welfare of PWDs have been disbursed countrywide. During FY 2020/21, 243 PWDs groups benefited from the Special Grant for PWDs amounting to UGX 1.239 billion reaching 943 males and 906 females. 45,939 beneficiaries of whom 23,149 were females and 22,790 males as of September 2023.

Article 7Right to Just and favourable Conditions of Work (SDG 8 – Decent work and Economic Growth)

135.Jua-Kali (blue-collar) needs assessment was conducted in 2020, and a total of 8,825 Jua-kalis youth and women groups costed. A Jua-Kali Management Information System was developed to capture the needs of Jua-Kalis across the country. Training of Jua‑Kalis on the use of the Management Information System (MIS) is ongoing. Eighty-seven (87) Jua-kalis youth and women groups (2,879 members) in Kampala and Wakiso were supported with start-up business tool kits and Equipment in the first cohort and one hundred ninety (190) Jua-kalis youth and women groups (2,918 members) from Busoga region were supported with start-up business tool kits and Equipment in the second cohort. The business start-up toolkits and green technology were mostly for Jua-Kalis in Mechanical, Metal Fabrication and Welding; Electrical; Woodwork and Carpentry; Art, Design, Leatherworks, Textile & Tailoring; Plumbing & Construction; Agro processing; Information, Communication and Technology; Automobile Assembling, maintenance and repairs; Cosmetology; and Creative Arts.

136.The Government has been implementing the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) program since 2013, focused in part, on improving household income mainly in the rural most vulnerable persons including women and youth. This has promoted food and income security, facilitated the growth of SMEs and supported local manufacturing. A UBOS National Household Survey of 2016/2017 revealed that 39% of households in Uganda engaged in the Subsistence economy compared to a finding of 68% in 2014 by the National Population and Housing Census. The UNHS 2019/2021 states that over 61% was engaged in Non-Subsistence Economy compared to 39% in subsistence economy. Under the OWC a new program called the Parish Development Model covering all parishes in the country is currently under implementation and is intended to facilitate the elevation of the 39% households still under the subsistence economy into the money economy in the next 5 years with effect from 1 July 2022. Funds under the National Budget have been allocated to support these activities. With the successful implementation of the Parish development model, it is hoped that almost the entire population of Uganda will be in the formal economy, and therefore included in the Gross Domestic Product of the Country.

137.In addition, another presidential initiative called the Ghetto Youth Initiative launched in 2021, has made several interventions to address issues of unemployment amongst youth. One of them was the quick impact projects that included the provision of start-up capital for projects like brick laying, and seedlings for vegetable growing. This initiative had representatives from different districts in the country, within about 30 districts being beneficiaries The initiative has also supported activities like; art and crafts and designing. Approximately 30–50 persons were reached daily through places of worship including by providing seed capital and more than 2000 youths have benefited. These interventions have equipped the youth with the necessary skills to engage in self-employment and improved their livelihood.

138.Further, the Emyooga presidential initiative on wealth and job creation launched in 2019, aims at economically empowering persons under identified specialized skills groups or belonging to a specific interest group registered in Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) at constituency and parish level. Under the initiative, the most vulnerable individuals (in particular those in the informal sector), are registered into SACCOs, and given money as startup capital for income generating initiatives.

139.Government has also provided long-term and affordable capital through the Uganda Development Bank, Emyooga, the Agricultural Credit Facility and the Small Business Recovery Fund to large, medium, small and micro enterprises. A total of Shs 2.77 trillion has been provided to date.

1.Minimum Wage (SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth)

140.The Minimum Wages Advisory Board Act provides a regulatory framework for establishing a Minimum Wages Advisory Board and Wages Council to guide on the minimum wage in the country. Government put in place a Minimum Wages Advisory Board (MWAB) in 2015. The Board undertook a comprehensive study of the economy and feasibility for fixing a minimum wage for the country. This report is intended to inform Government on the appropriate policy to govern minimum wage in Uganda. Studies to guide sector specific minimum wage are being undertaken. The Labour Unions, through Collective Bargaining Negotiations machinery have continued to negotiate and fix better wages for workers, with organisations that have unionised workers. This has complemented efforts of the Government in relation to fixing of wages in the country.

2.Working Conditions and Labour Inspectorate (SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth)

141.Government has established various mechanisms to improve the implementation of the labour laws in line with SDG 8. The Government has a presence of labour officers in all districts to facilitate and guide the implementation of national labour laws. The current number of Labour Officers are 154 in Local Governments (LGs) / districts and 43 at the Ministry headquarters. Trainings for all Labour Officers is ongoing in different regions. Efforts to improve the Labour Inspectorate are underway through; formulation of the Labour Inspection guidelines and Code of Conduct; revision of the Labour Inspection Checklist, development of a Labour Inspection Management Information System (MIS), appointment of members of the Labour Advisory Board, and inauguration of National Child Labour Steering Committee.

142.The proportion of workplaces adhering to Occupation Safety and Health (OSH) standards has increased from 38% in 2014/15 to 41.9% in 2019/20. This was a result of enforcement of workplace OSH standards. FY2020/21, Ministry undertook 97 inspections, 19 shopping arcades were inspected for COVID-19 preparedness, 150 Statutory equipment were examined and certified and reviewed seven (7) architectural plans for infrastructural development projects.

143.The Government recognises the role of the Industrial Court in promoting industrial harmony and resolution of labour related disputes arising. The Court receives quarterly funds from the MoGLSD. The budget of the Court is protected and is not subjected to cuts arising out of cash limits. The funding for the industrial court has progressively improved from 0.31 billion in to 0.34 billion in 2020/21 and currently stands at 0.45billion in 2023/24. The Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act Cap. 227 has expanded the Court structure to provide for more Judges from two to five judges and 2 Registrars. This will greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Court and ultimately lead to reduction in the case backlog.

Article 8Right to form and join Trade Unions (SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth)

144.Government has put in a place a conducive environment for labour and trade union to operate and thrive in line with SDG 8.

145.The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda under Art 29 (1) (e) provides for freedom of association which includes freedom to form and join association or union, including trade unions. According to Article 40 (3) of the Constitution, every worker has a right to form or join a trade union of his/her choice to protect his/her economic and social interests, to collective bargaining and representation and withdraw of their labour according to the law.

146.Section 3 of the Labour Unions Act Cap. 228 provides for the right of employees to organize in any Labour Union and allows them to assist in the running of the Labour Union, bargain collectively through representatives of their own choice and withdraw their labour. Section 5 prohibits employers from interfering with the right of association.

147.The National Tripartite Charter, 2013 that was signed by the Government of the Republic of Uganda, the Federation of Uganda Employers, the National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) and the Central Organisation of Free Trade Unions (COFTU). It sets out the principles for social dialogue and tripartism in Uganda. The Charter aims to strengthen social dialogue and Tripartism, promote decent employment, social protection, and enhance skills development, productivity, enterprise growth and competitiveness.

148.The Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development has continued to implement the requirements for tripartite representation on all Labour Boards and Committees. Furthermore, the unions have taken lead in managing International Labour Day celebration programmes as an advocacy measure and publicity for promotion on unionization, including leading collective bargaining negotiations with Government.

149.Administrative data indicates that as at 31st December 2021 in line with Regulation 6 of the Labour Unions (Registration) Regulations, 2012, the Registrar of Labour Unions had registered 46 Labour Unions out of which 33 unions are affiliate to NOTU and 11 Unions are affiliate to COFTU and 2 are independent Labour Unions. As of March 2022, 827,398 people were members to the unions. The Government has also registered 100 Collective Bargaining Agreements between unions and employers.

Article 9Right to Social Security (SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth)

150.Government approved the National Social Protection Policy 2015 to address issues of risks and vulnerability in line with SDG 8. One of the Pillars of the policy is social security, prioritizing the establishment of affordable health insurance including for vulnerable persons. Government established Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA) as a Regulatory Authority for the retirement benefits sector.

151.Government is implementing various social protection interventions which include; the Public Service Pension Scheme, the National Social Security Fund(NSSF),Workers Compensation Scheme, the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment(SAGE), the Labour Intensive Public Works Program and the Social Care and Support Services. The SAGE targets older persons of 80 years and above nationally. As of September 2023, 302,006 older persons are covered under the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment Programme targeting senior citizens of whom 114,422 are males and 187,584 are females.

152.Under NSSF Act Cap. 230, all persons can access their benefits on attaining the age of 55years. In addition, the Act also allows access by specified categories of persons to their benefits at any time before attainment of the mandatory 55years of age. For instance; the terminally ill persons, persons permanently emigrating from Uganda, persons joining international Organisations on a permanent basis and or public service employment, persons that have turned 50years old and been unemployed for 2 consecutive years.

153.The Government amended the National Social Security Fund Act in 2021 to address some of the challenges arising from COVID-19 effects as well as to expand scope of coverage of social security benefits and provide for voluntary savings. The amendment made provision for midterm access to benefits persons who are 45 years and above, including persons with disabilities who have contributed with the fund for at least 10 years Furthermore, it also allows the Board to introduce new benefits to address the shocks and vulnerabilities of the members of the fund.

154.The Public Service Pension Scheme is currently, pay as you go with payment made for gratuity and monthly pension as follows; The number of Pensioners – (Teachers) as of July 2023 is 28108 and monthly pension paid out totalling15,343,541,889 UGX and gratuity of UGX 11,495,909,309. The Pensioners – (Traditional Civil Servants) is 36,108 with monthly pension of UGX 19,998,998,885 and gratuity of UGX 14,230,045,996 paid out to them. The number of Pensioners – (Defense Veterans) – PENVET (what does this mean?) is 22,408 and monthly pension paid totalling UGX 5,797,898,373. The Public Service Pension scheme Bill is under discussion by the Parliamentary Committee on Public Services. The Government is undergoing reforms in the public service pension scheme with a view to making it a contributory scheme.

155.In addition, Government implements other social protection measures for vulnerable populations such as cash transfers and labour-intensive public works that promote decent work and occupational safety measures. The total number of beneficiaries reached as of end of programme May 2021 was 2,974,530 of whom 1,774,375 were female.

156.Special Grant for Persons with Disabilities reaches total of 45,939 beneficiaries.

Article 10Protection of the Family (SDG 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

157.Uganda has enacted gender-responsive laws and regulations intended to combat domestic violence and harmful practices against women and girls in line with SDG 16.

158.These laws include: the Domestic Violence Act Cap. 123 to protect and provide legal solutions for survivors of violence in the home; the Domestic Violence Regulations, 2011 that strengthen the enforcement of the Domestic Violence Act; the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act Cap. 133 that criminalises the harmful practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM); Employment (Sexual Harassment) Regulations, the 2012 that give effect to the provisions on sexual harassment in the workplace. The Sexual Offences Bill provisions are being incorporated into the Penal Code Amendment Bill 2021 to be presented to Parliament.

159.The Judiciary, prosecutors and police have been sensitised on the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act Cap. 123 through; workshops, refresher courses, and during police Barazas. A Department of Sexual and Gender Based Violence was created under the Directorate of CID to handle such cases.

160.To facilitate the timely disposal of SGBV cases as a deterrent to SGBV, JLOS piloted the Special Court Sessions targeting SGBV victims. The Special Court Sessions commenced on 12th November 2018 and entailed handling of GBV cases at specific locations of the High Court and Chief Magistrate level at 14 courts. In preparation, JLOS trained stakeholders such as the Police, Prisons, Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Uganda Law Society (ULS), the Government Analytical Laboratories and judicial officers on how to handle SGBV cases. JLOS Secretariat conducted media campaigns on the Special Court sessions to raise awareness of the public starting with Iganga and reaching 13 districts in early November 2018. The court disposed of 788 cases on SGBV within a period of one month. Processes are underway to institutionalise this court as a permanent feature of gender justice.

161.The Judiciary has also conducted special court sessions on GBV cases country wide to help dispose of cases in a timely manner. The special sessions are coordinated by the JLOS secretariat. The conviction rate has improved from 60% at the commencement of the sessions in 2018 to 80% in 2022 and 87% in 2023.

162.Government commemorates and participates in the 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence campaign to support an end to gender-based violence in Uganda. In addition, the MGLSD continues to conduct awareness raising on Gender based violence. As a result, these efforts complement enabling legal and policy framework, GBV response and prevention has improved.

163.The Government has developed a National Gender Based Violence (NGBV) data base that documents GBV cases for ease of follow-up and response. The data contains disaggregated data by sex, age and location and informs policy formulation, planning and budgeting.

1.Harmful Practices Against Women and Girls (SDG 5 – Gender Equality)

164.Government remains committed to full eradication of all harmful practices against all persons especially girls and women. Some of the harmful practices include; female genital mutilation, early and forced marriages, domestic violence among others.

165.Government developed a National Social Protection Policy 2015 to provide for protection of all vulnerable persons. In addition, the National Strategy to end Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy 2014/2015–2019/2020 was developed to guide the eradication of child marriages and teenage pregnancies.

166.Government is committed to the full implementation of the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act Cap. 133. To this end, Government has put in place various interventions to raise awareness on the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and prevent all forms of discrimination against women. Government commemorated nine years of the International Zero Tolerance to FGM. UHRC, EOC, National Council for Disability (NCD) and MGLSD have continued have to raise awareness to prevent all forms of discrimination against women.

167.In 2016, UHRC conducted barazas in 67 districts. In 2017, UHRC conducted the same in 56 districts and 82 districts in 2018. The aim of these barazas was to create awareness on child marriage, forced marriage and FGM. UHRC has sensitised communities through road shows on FGM, rights of women, child and forced marriage, rights of women and vulnerable groups in Sebei and Karamoja.

168.Government has also deployed law enforcement officers to assist in the enforcement of the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act Cap. 133 as a detterent to engaging in FGM.

169.Further, the Parliament enacted the Prevention and Prohibition of Human Sacrifice Act Cap. 129 which seeks to protect children and criminalises human sacrifice, the use of body parts for rituals and the unlawful possession of human body parts.

2.Protection of Children (SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth)

170.Article 34 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda provides for the rights of children to be known and cared for by their parents, the right to basic education, the right to access to medical treatment and any other social and economic benefit by reason of religious or other beliefs, the right to be protected from social and economic exploitation. It further provides that special protection shall be accorded to orphans and other vulnerable children.

171.Government has put in place policy, legal and institutional mechanisms to ensure the protection of the rights of children as provided for under the Constitution Government has an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Child Labour and has put in a specialised unit on child labour. In addition, Government has entered into a tripartite partnership with social partners (Labour Unions NOTU and COFTU, FUE) to monitor child labour in industries and factories. Government has rehabilitated Kampiringisa rehabilitation centre for children withdrawn from child or hazardous labour. Government is also partnering with ILO on skilling, mentoring and reintegration of children withdrawn from child labour.

172.The Government has further enacted and is enforcing laws and policies that explicitly prohibit child labor and forced labor. These laws should outline the minimum age for employment and establish penalties for those who engage in or facilitate child labor. These include the Children Act Cap. 62 which aims to protect children against all forms of violence including sexual abuse and exploitation, child sacrifice, child marriage, child trafficking, institutional abuse; the Employment (Employment of Children) Regulations, 2012, National Child Labour Policy, 2020; the Kampala Capital City Authority (Child Protection) Ordinance, 2022, National Action Plan on Elimination of Child Labour 2020/21 – 2024/25 and others.

173.The National Child Policy (2020) and its implementation Plan have been disseminated so far to 81 Local Governments out of 146. The National Child Labour Policy, 2020 gives broader strategic areas of intervention to various stakeholders on Children’s matters including street children and under residential care. In line with the Policy, a National Coordination structure compromising of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government and NGO/CSO has been established. Technical working groups in line with priority pillars of the National Child Policy and the District Child wellbeing Committees. Para Social Workers have been trained on provision of child protection service in communities.

174.Uganda also collaborates with international organizations and NGOs that focus on child rights and labor issues. This involves sharing best practices, receiving support for program implementation, and participating in joint initiatives to combat child labor.

175.In regard to street children, Government has put in place the Kampala Capital City Child Protection Ordinance, 2022 which criminalizes child labour and begging and prescribes parental responsibility to ensure the protection of every child from harmful or hazardous employment and prohibits child sexual exploitation. The Ordinance augments the Children Act which incorporates the international standards under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and provides stringent conditions and an elaborate process to combat illicit guardianship and adoption of children.

176.The Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development developed Street Children Guidelines to support Local Governments and Civil Society Organizations to focus on prevention and immediate handling of any child on the street before he/she becomes a street child. The Street Children Strategy that focused on immediate, medium and long-term interventions was developed. The goal of the strategy is to withdraw children from streets and address their concerns as well as institute preventive measures to deter movement of children to streets. From 2015 to 2022, the government rehabilitated and resettled 1,862 street children 1197 of Karamojong origin, 665 others;647 street children were withdrawn from the street in 2022/23, rehabilitated and resettled with their families and communities.

177.Government is in advanced stages of finalizing the National Alternative Care Framework to provide for children at risk or denied parental responsibility aware of the fact that family is still the best place for growth and development of child. The Government has in place the family and Children Court Rules, Foster Care Rules, Adoption rules, Approved Homes Rules to ensure that Children in foster care Institutions are protected.

178.Corporal punishment was outlawed in institutions of learning.

179.The National Action Plan on Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour in Uganda 2012/13–2016/17 was developed with the overall goal of reducing the magnitude of the worst forms of child labour by 2017. The implementation and coordination framework included government MDAs, local governments, CSOs, development partners, labour unions, local communities, traditional and cultural leaders, the youth and children.

180.The National Action Plan on Elimination of Child Labour was passed on 1st May, 2021 and The National Child Labour Steering Committee was inaugurated on 12th June 2021 to oversee elimination of child labour. Furthermore, the Ministry and social partners are implementing a programme for ACCEL, geared towards addressing child labour in the coffee and tea supply chains. Awareness and advocacy activities have been stepped up.

181.Government established a Child helpline service in 2016 to link children in need of care and protection services and resources. It offers a confidential mechanism through which children can report abuse and access supportive services and resources including but not limited to counselling, rescue, and health and justice services. Between 2017 and 2020, over 993,672 calls were received through the helpline that provided information for investigations and effective conclusions of the cases reported. In 2022/23 calls were received through the child helpline were 21,900 and cases on violence against children were 453. These were followed up and investigated.

182.In 2015, Government enacted the Registration of Persons Act Cap. 332 (ROPA) with the aim of harmonising and consolidating the laws on registration of persons, establishing a central registration body for the registration of all persons in Uganda, among other things.

183.In 2017, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) in collaboration with MoES undertook the Learner’s Project to carry out a nation-wide registration of students. The project was aimed at registering students, issuing National Identification Numbers (NINs) and printing of cards for those who were 16 years and above. At the end of the project, 9,898,176 children were registered, and of those 7,143,092 children were issued with NINs, 401,153 cards were printed for children of ages of 16 years and above and the number of cards issued were 270,745.

Article 11Right to Adequate Standard of Living (SDG 1 – No Poverty)

184.Government is committed to combating poverty and has taken eradication measures in line with SDG 1.

185.Government is implementing the Special Grant for Persons with Disabilities to address the poverty and vulnerabilities among persons with disabilities and their care givers. Through the Parish Development Model, Government has prioritized youth, women and persons with disabilities.

1.Right to Housing (SDG 11 – Sustainable cities and communities)

186.Government remains committed to ensuring the provision of adequate housing in line with SDG 11. Government has developed relevant policies and regulations pertaining to housing development and management such as the National Urban Policy, 2017, The National Housing Policy, 2016, the National Land Policy,2013, The National Land Use Policy, 2006, The National Slum Upgrading Strategy, 2008, The National Environmental Management Policy,2017, among others. Formation of these policies goes through a rigorous consultation process that ensures the concerns of citizens from all income levels are catered for so as to guarantee a just, relevant and enabling policy for development of adequate housing.

187.In 2016 Government developed the Uganda National Housing Policy. One of the policy objectives is to enable vulnerable groups to access adequate housing.

188.Government has embarked on the process of repossessing National Housing and Construction Company (NHCC) Ltd by owning all the 100% shares to enable the company be the main national implementing agency for social housing for all public servants and low cost/affordable mass housing and slum upgrade/redevelopment in all cities and urban centres.

189.With regard to the development and implementation of an investment plan for adequate and affordable housing, the Government has initiated a number of low-cost and social housing projects which shall be implemented in FY 2024/2025. The Government has developed, disseminated and enforced compliance to building codes and standards. Government is currently conducting an impact assessment study for a comprehensive Housing Law to operationalize the National Housing Policy, 2017.

190.Government constructed over 200 houses for landslide victims under the Kiryandongo Resettlement Project and the MoLHUD is working closely with Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to implement the Bulambuli resettlement project where 900 houses for Bududa landslide victims were constructed.

191.The Government supports over 40 Housing Cooperative Societies country wide through technical support, especially on issues of land acquisition, surveying, verification, and titling and construction services. Generally ensuring that a supportive housing policy environment exists for co-op housing development and low-income housing development. The Government has enacted the Landlord and Tenant Act 238 whose object is to regulate the relationship between landlord and tenant; to reform and consolidate the law relating to the letting of premises and to provide for the responsibilities of landlords and tenants in relation to the letting of premises. This law also further guides on evictions to ensure no Ugandan is marginalized as far as access to shelter is concerned.

2.Forced Evictions (SDG 11 – Sustainable cities and communities)

192.The Constitution under Article 237 provides that land belongs to the people of Uganda. It further recognizes the right to ownership of land under different tenure systems. Government has put in place policy and legal frameworks to protect her citizens from illegal evictions and provide for fair and adequate compensation for expropriated land in line with SDG 11. Government continues to make progressive efforts like issuing of land titles under various land tenure systems to strengthen the legal safe guards against unlawful evictions from land. Government has registered 3,602,321 Certificates of Customary Ownership and issued over 20,000 Certificates of Customary Ownership (CCOs) to customary landowners in Kasese, Nwoya, Pader, Soroti, Katakwi, Butaleja, Adjumani, Mbale and Kabale Districts. A total of 20,883 customary land plots have been mapped covering an acreage of 16,236.3 ha for a total number of 20,294 households of which females constitute 36% and males constitute 64%.

193.The Chief Justice issued The Constitution (Land Evictions) (Practice) Directions, 2021 to protect proprietary interest as provided for under Article 26 of the Constitution. The Practice Directions are intended to promote and ensure respect of fundamental principles of natural justice, to promote uniformity and consistency in the handling of evictions, to promote harmony among the various stakeholders in the administration of justice and to give directions to every judicial officer, litigant, bailiff, police officer, counsel and other stakeholders on eviction procedures.

194.Police and law enforcement perform their duties without discrimination, and human rights are upheld in line with article 21 and 32 of the Constitution.

3.Right to adequate food (SDG 2 – Zero Hunger)

195.Uganda developed the Food and Nutrition Policy of 2003 with the goal to ensure food security and adequate nutrition for all the people in Uganda, for their health as well as their social and economic well-being; Uganda also developed the National Food and Nutrition Strategy of 2003 which presents the agenda of action that Government must take to fulfil legally binding international and national obligations of eradicating hunger and malnutrition. Both the policy and strategy are under review starting this financial year 2023/24.

196.Uganda has also developed the Uganda Nutrition Action Plan II 2020/21–2024/25 whose goal is to improve nutrition status among children under five years, school-age children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women and other vulnerable groups by 2025.

197.Uganda has also developed and is implementing the Uganda Multi-Sectoral Food Security and Nutrition Project (UMFSNP)since 2015 aimed at increasing the production and consumption of micronutrient-rich foods and utilization of community-based nutrition services in smallholder households in 15 most malnourished districts in Uganda as indicated by the levels of stunting and dietary diversity. The Project was established to support Government efforts to link agriculture, nutrition, health and education through school-based demonstration gardens, nutrition education and back yard gardens. This led to an increase in the production and consumption of micronutrient rich foods including African indigenous vegetables and foods, as well as increase in the use of community-based nutrition services in small holder households in the project areas.

198.The drafting of the Food and Nutrition Bill has not been finalized to-date.

199.The Uganda has also developed the Uganda Nutrition Action Plan II 2020/21–2024/25 targets children under five years, school-age children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women and other vulnerable groups.

200.The budget of the agriculture sector has increased in absolute terms but in terms of percentages, it has oscillated between 2.8% and 3.2% of the overall national resources envelop over the last five years from 2019/2020.

201.Under Pillar I of the Parish Development Model (PDM) Government through the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAI) supports smallholder farmers with interest free revolving loans to produce crops and animal feed to move them from their subsistence nature to the money economy in the medium and long term.

202.Government remains committed to addressing malnutrition and food insecurity for every Ugandan and increasing food production in line with SDG 2. The Food and Nutrition Bill was hinged on the Food and Nutrition Policy of 2003. Given the passage of time, Government found it necessary to review the Policy and has developed a draft Multi Sectoral Nutrition Policy that intends to amend the Nutrition Policy 2003.

203.As of December 2020, the project had benefitted 1, 371,152 persons (which include 617,240 women and 317,323 children under two years of age). 104,332 farmers utilising 16,732 hectares have adopted new technologies, and 934,472 people have received improved nutrition services and products. Multi sectoral nutrition services have been provided at primary schools and communities including routinely distributing nutrition commodities like iron folic acid supplements and anthropometric measurements scales. By the end of the five‑year implementation plan, the project achieved over 80% of its targeted objectives and was extended by two more years to handle the COVID-19 pandemic food and nutrition related interventions.

204.Government has continued to educate and empower families and households to achieve a balanced diet. The MoH has scaled up the nutrition program with the aim of preventing severe macro and micro nutrition. The MoH has further developed guidelines and messages to be disseminated widely on health, feeding and lifestyle. The MoH advocates for creation of breast-feeding corners at all work places and commemorates the breast feeding week.

205.Government remains committed to increasing investment in agriculture. The Agricultural Credit Facility (ACF) has registered significant growth in its credit facility from UGX 21.02 billion in 2009 to UGX 455.24billion in total disbursements as at 31st March 2020. The ACF loans were extended to 741 projects across the country of which UGX 231.3 billion was GOU contribution.

206.Over 108,995 (42%) of farmers have enrolled; 8,598 (11% of the project target of 45% of enrolled farmers) have been trained and received inputs valued at Ushs16.3/25.3 billion.

207.Government has continued to support smaller holder farmers to increase food production. As of 2021, 420,000 hoes have been procured and distributed to farming households in eight district LGs of Arua, Nebbi, Koboko, Maracha, Yumbe, Zombo, Adjumani, Ngora and Moyo. Government has also provided funds to support sugarcane production and factory at Atiak.

208.In the FY 2020/21, Government allocated funds through National Agricultural Advisory Services Secretariat for the procurement and distribution of 2.5 million plain hand hoes targeting rural farming households in the country.

209.Under the Operation wealth Creation (OWC) the distribution of improved seed has continued. In FY 2017/18 improved seeds were distributed as follows: 4,734,500 Kgs of maize seedlings, 2,037,339 Kgs of bean seedlings, 213,701 bags of cassava cuttings, 1,358,000 of banana suckers and 11,642 bags of Irish potatoes. In addition, planting materials for priority/strategic crop commodities have been provided as follows: 109,575,085 tea seedlings, 13,570,444 citrus seedlings, 11,504,275 mango seedlings, 1,359,124 grafted apple seedlings, 13,830,780 pineapple seedlings and 7,406,572 cocoa seedlings. In 2018/19 government procured and distributed 2,932.332 tons of maize seed. The seed was distributed to farmers in 125 DLGs for establishment of 293,233.2 acres of Maize benefiting 586,466 households including vulnerable groups. Government finalized and rolled out an e‑voucher system to enable farmers’ access free farm inputs supplied by Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) through a digital coupon. The distribution of seedlings and fertilisers are now supplied to farmers through mobile delivery services that are directly linked to their specific names and registration card numbers.

210.The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN – FAO) donated four (4) ULV Vehicle Mounted Sprayers; ten (10) Motorized Spray Pumps; ten (10) Manual Spray Pumps; one hundred pieces (100) PPE Helmet Head Gear; one hundred pieces (100) PPE Safety Chemical Resistance Gloves; one hundred pieces (100) PPE Safety Goggles; one hundred sets (100) Respirators and Cartridge.

Article 12Right to Health (SDG 3 – Good health and Well-being)

211.The right to health is recognised in the Constitution under the National Objectives and Directives of State Policy.

212.NDPIII and Vision 2040 underscore the importance of a healthy population realizing prosperity and improved quality of life and presents a strong commitment to finance all essential health care services in order to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in line with SDG 3. The health sector budget as a proportion of the National Budget for the past 12 years is an average of 7.1%. Although less than 15%, there has been a 2-fold increase in the total budget allocation to health in the past 5 years from 1271 Billion in FY 2015/16 to 3340 Billion in FY 2020/21. Funds are rationed using a budget allocation formula which incorporates variables such as catchment population, disease burden, refugee status, and hard to reach /geographical location and poverty levels to determine resource allocation. Funding of the health sector over the years.

213.Enabling health policies and strategies have been drafted to support HIV programing and service delivery especially to key and vulnerable populations. Monitoring and evaluation interventions have been undertaken to facilitate timely and evidence-based responses. This includes revision tools such a Health Management Information System (HMIS), to capture disaggregated data. Uganda adopted the Test and Treat Policy and effectively optimised treatment with high efficacious Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) for children, adolescents, and adults. MoH has also rolled out a third line Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) to manage children, adolescents and adults failing on treatment. Uganda has significantly invested in infrastructure to enable HIV/AIDs prevention, care and treatment. Access to viral load has been rolled out to as low as Health Centre (HC) III, expanding geographical access to 100% across the entire country with outreaches to hotspots. The policy of the Government is to provide health services to everyone without discrimination.

214.Some of the other efforts being made by the Government to address issues relating to the implementation of the right to health include the exponential increase in the health infrastructure in rural areas particularly Health Centre IIIs (HCIIIs), improvement in the staffing levels for the health centres, enhancing access to finances for health service delivery, obtaining funds through the result based approach to procure medicines, provision of equipment to improve delivery of health care services in rural areas. As a result, maternal mortality rates have reduced significantly.

1.Maternal and Child mortality Rates (SDG 3 – Good health and Well-being)

215.Government has continued to take steps to ensure the reduction of still birth, infant and maternal mortality and to achieve universal health care coverage in line with SDG 3. According to UDHS 2023, Infant mortality rate is 36 deaths per 1,000 live births and under‑5 mortality rate is 52 deaths per 1,000 live births. 91% of births were delivered in a health facility. This is attributed to improved immunization, expansion of the activities for elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, as well as malaria and diarrhoea control. Maternal mortality ratio dropped from 505 in 1995 to 336 in per 100,000 in 2016 to 189 in 2023. According to the HMIS information, there has been a 17% reduction in maternal deaths from 119/100,000 facility delivery in FY 2015/16 to 99/100,000 in FY 2019/20 further, there was a 77% increase in the maternal death reviews conducted to audit deaths and institute improvement measures to prevent death.

216.Attendance of antenatal and post-natal clinics and giving birth at health centres and hospitals has increased to 74%. The proportion of HC IVs offering comprehensive emergency obstetric care increased from 44% in FY 2016/17 to 48% in FY 2017/18.

2.Mental Health (SDG 3 – Good health and Well-being)

217.The Parliament of Uganda enacted the Mental Health Act Cap. 308 to provide for the care and treatment of persons with mental illness to ensure; persons with mental illness are enabled to seek treatment, basic mental health services are provided, the safety and protection of persons with mental illness and protection of their rights and safety of persons who are in contact with them, that community mental health services are integrated in the treatment and care of persons with mental illness and to establish the Mental Health Advisory Board. The Board is charged with various functions including the monitoring of mental health services in Uganda, accreditation of private mental health units to treat mental illness, the setting of standards for mental health units, inspection and monitoring of mental health units to ensure that they meet prescribed standards and promote public awareness on mental health and mental illness.

218.Government has taken steps taken to strengthen the presence of qualified mental health personnel in rural health facilities.

3.Sexual and Reproductive Health (SDG 3 – Good health and Well-being)

219.MoH has developed a draft Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policy to address reproductive health challenges. The MoH in collaboration with partners has trained health workers on family planning service delivery to improve capacity and availability of family planning options. Under the Uganda Health System Strengthening Project (UHSSP), health workers in all FP units have been trained, 88 health workers in 16 districts have undergone a refresher course and 663 health workers from the refugee hosting districts were trained in the provision of adolescent health and sexual gender-based violence. This increased coverage of adolescent friendly services to 80% facilities. Family planning health facility visits have increased by 28% from 149,519 in FY 2017/18 to 17529 in FY 2019/20. Couple years of protection has increased by 71 % from 2,232,225 in FY 2015/16 to 3,835,235 in 2018/2019. Immunisation of young girls against cervical cancer was introduced into the routine vaccination in November 2015 and the coverage increased from 32% in 2016 to 56% in 2017 and 76% in 2018.

220.MoH and partners launched a campaign against teenage pregnancies and child marriages, which has been championed by the first lady since 2015. There is on-going mobilisation and education of girls on life skills.

Articles 13 and 14Right to Education (SDG 4 – Quality Education)

221.Government remains committed to provision of quality education to all children in line with SDG 4. Quality education starts with early childhood development. The National Integrated Childhood Development Policy (NIECD) and Action Plan 2016 was developed and launched in 2016, to standardise and ensure coherence in the curriculum of early childhood education and development.

222.Government has also put in place coordination structures both at national and local government levels to institutionalise community-based training and retraining of concerned persons on pre-school preparatory nurturing as part of the cognitive development programme. The revised curriculum in primary teacher colleges includes Early Childhood Development (ECD) as a compulsory module in year one and an elective in year two.

223.Government continues to implement Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education. Following the launch of UPE in 1997, enrolment increased from over two million pupils to the current almost eight million. To address challenges of the transition to post-primary education, the UPPET programme was launched in February 2007, making Uganda the first country in Africa to provide free education at this level. Consequently, enrolment grew rapidly.

224.Government has taken several measures to prevent the girl-child from dropping out of school. Government developed Guidelines on Prevention and Management of Teenage Pregnancy and Re-entry of Teenage Mothers in school (2020), and Guidelines on Menstrual Hygiene management for schools (2021). A circular to schools on menstrual Hygiene Management (2016) was issued, a National Strategic Plan on Violence against children in schools (2015–2020) has been implemented.

225.In addition, Government has redesigned the EMIS to capture individual learner information. Each learner is given a LIN number. This enables the Government to track the dropout rates by different category and thus guide effective decision making towards reducing the vice. Government has also trained teachers on Gender responsive pedagogy. This is expected to prevent all forms of discriminations that sometimes force learners to give up with education. Government has also trained teacher and learners on prevention and management of Violence Against Children (VAC) – this reduces perpetuation for violence that sometimes causes dropout. Government undertook GO BACK TO SCHOOL CAMPAIGNS in Karamoja sub-region, Eastern Uganda through community dialogues to address the negative social-cultural attitude and practices. School based health surveillance interventions aimed at school health- detection of diseases, management, controlling and linkage with health services. School feeding interventions school feeding policy its development is in the final stage.

226.MHM strategic plan – Child care programmes for child mothers-breastfeeding centers in the refugee communities.

227.Guidelines for Senior Women and Senior Men Teachers (2020) have been developed to guide senior teachers in providing psychosocial support to school girls and boys.

228.Government has integrated Reproductive Health Education into the Revised Lower Secondary Education Curriculum (2020) to equip girls and boys with information on their growth and development.

229.Government has been implementing the Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UGIFT) Programme where 259 seed schools are being established and 112 schools are operational already.

230.Government annually provides UGX 14.4 billion funds to procure instructional materials for primary schools. In FY 2016–2017, Government availed 14.4 billion and as a result, textbooks to pupil ratio in public primary schools improved from 12 pupils per textbook in FY 2015/16 to one textbook per pupil for English and Math in FY 2016/17 in all public primary schools in the country. The Ministry is currently (2023) engaged in roll out of the curriculum and a supplementary budget of Ushs.10bn was allocated to assist in the purchase and distribution of instructional materials.

231.Government has increased budget allocation for inspection and supervision of education institutions by 73% from UGX 8.83 BN in FY 2016/17 to UGX 15.46 BN in FY 2020/21. The National Teacher Policy, 2019 which provides for among others; teacher training, recruitment, deployment, teacher motivation has been developed and launched.

232.Government also continues to undertake procurement of specialized Teaching and learning (T&L) materials for special needs learners and adapting T&L materials into brail and sign language for special schools.

233.Special consideration for SNE children – Supporting SNE learners in Assessment especially in the national exams (PLE, UCE, UACE and UBTEB). Promoting accelerated learning for out – of school children.

234.The Government, through the Ministry of Education and Sports, has entered into engagements with other states’ agencies and Organisations, through Memoranda of Understanding, to equip pupils and students with the necessary skills and knowledge in form of conferences, workshops and trainings. Such engagements are still ongoing.

Article 15Right to Culture (SDG 5 – Gender Equality)

235.Uganda’s Vision 2040 emphasises the development of a national value system to promote patriotism and enhancement of national identity and nurturing an appropriate ideological orientation.

236.Government developed a National Culture Policy in line with SDG 5. The policy classifies indigenous people/ethnic minorities in accordance with the United Nations (UN) classification system of indigenous persons. The policy is being revised to take into account emerging issues.

237.MoGLSD together with UNDAF is developing an affirmative action program of intervention for ethnic minorities which is to address the livelihood challenges of these communities.

238.Government continues to provide financial support in honorarium to individual cultural leaders whereby UGX 60 million is released to the 14 traditional cultural leaders annually and in FY 2020/2021 allocated 840 Million UGX to culture and local bodies to promote cultural activities. The Uganda National Cultural Forum has been formed and operationalised and a Kings Forum has been established. In addition, four intangible cultural heritages namely Acholi, Iki, Aluru and Basongora have been documented. Community inventory mapping has been conducted in four communities of Alur in Nebbi, Iki in Kaabong, Basongora in Kasese and Acholi in Gulu. The Busoga Cultural institution has been supported to make “Bigwala” (traditional instruments) and the inventorying of Empaako has been conducted in Kabarole and neighbouring districts.

Other Recommendations (SDG 17 – Partnership for the Goals)

The Committee made the following additional recommendations:

239.The Government has completed consultations on the Optional Protocol; efforts are being made to secure a certificate of financial implication from the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development after which a submission will be made to the Cabinet to ratify the Optional Protocol.

240.In the agricultural sector, a special organ in the agriculture sector working group is in place to ensure all relevant non state and state actors are involved in planning and implementation of all public sector led agriculture and food security investments.

241.Government has continued to engage in constructive cooperation with the international community and the human rights mechanisms in line with SDG17.

242.Uganda submitted reports on the CAT, the ICCPR and the CEDAW. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund; United Nations Population Fund, United Nations Development Programme have continued to provide financial and technical support to Government in realizing the SDGs and sensitise on the need for laws to promote and protect human rights. International Organisation on Migration and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime continue to build capacity of MDAS on issues of trafficking in persons and smuggling with key MDAs such as Ministry of Internal Affairs, ODPP, and UHRC among others.

243.In addition, Government received financial and technical support from ILO to amend the Employment Act, UNICEF supported in the amendment of Children Act, and OHCHR in the development of NAP on Business and Human Rights.

Conclusion

244.The Government of Uganda is committed to upholding the rights and freedoms enshrined in the International Covenant on Social and Cultural Rights and continues to put in place the institutional, legal and policy measures to progressively realise and consolidate the human rights achievements made so far.

Annextures Second Periodic Report On ICESCR

Anti-corruption cases

Nature of Cases	Penalty	Status
Non-declaration	Fines	UGX 19,400,000 collected
Failure to declare certain assets	Demotion	Officer demoted
Fines	UGX 7,500,000 collected
False declarations	Fines	UGX 2,000,000 collected
Use of public funds contrary to existing instructions	Refund to IG Asset recovery Account	UGX 6,000,000 recovered
Abuse of public property	Caution	Officer cautioned
Conflict of interest and favouritism	-	Pending
General Prohibited conduct	-	Pending

Segop Beneficiaries

Financial year	Projects Funded	Beneficiaries
Male	Female	Total
FY2019/20	168	722	723	1 445
FY2020/21	816	3 900	3 880	7 780
FY2021/22	1 534	6 065	6 134	12 199
FY2022/23	2 597	12 103	12 412	24 515
GRAND TOTAL	5 115	22 790	23 149	45 939

Number of Migrant workers deployment per month (2019 and 2023)

Month	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	Total
January	1 326	4 311	2 706	10 887	7 588	26 818
February	1 248	3 017	5 256	6 213	2 515	18 249
March	2 416	1 207	8 666	4 672	1 471	18 432
April	3 197		11 114	9 836	1 248	25 395
May	2 254		3 810	9 512	1 086	16 662
June	1 871		8 830	8 307		19 008
July	1 022		7 566	8 169		16 757
August	1 846		8 148	7 452		17 446
September	2 174		4 704	9 830		16 708
October	3 176		6 808	7 895		17 879
November	2 789		10 586	4 922		18 297
December	2044	491	10 359	5 701		18 595
Total	25 363	9 026	88 553	93 396	13 908	230 246

Health Budget over the years

Year	Health Budget	Total National Budget	Growth Rate of Health Budget	Growth Rate of National Budget	Health as % of Total Budget
2011/12	799	9 630	21%	31%	8.3%
2012/13	829	10 711	4%	11%	7.7%
2013/14	1 128	13 065	36%	22%	8.6%
2014/15	1 281	14 986	14%	15%	8.5%
2015/16	1 271	18 311	-1%	22%	6.9%
2016/17	1 827	20 431	44%	12%	8.9%
2017/18	1 950	29 000	7%	42%	6.7%
2018/19	2 373	32 700	22%	13%	7.3%
2019/20	2 589	36 113	9%	10%	7.2%
2020/21	2 788	45 494	8%	26%	6.1%
2021/22	3 331	44 779	19%	-2%	7.4%