Two public universities flagged over gender and equity compliance

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Two public universities have been flagged for failing to meet gender and equity compliance requirements, raising concerns about accountability in public institutions.

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has named Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) among three government entities that did not submit their plans and budgets for assessment for the Financial Year 2026/27.

The third entity cited was the Uganda High Commission in Rwanda.

According to the Commission, failure to submit these critical documents automatically disqualifies institutions from receiving Certificates of Gender and Equity Compliance, a mandatory requirement for accessing public funds.

Presenting the findings during the handover of the National Gender and Equity Compliance Report to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Kampala on Wednesday (March 18), EOC chairperson Safia Nalule Juuko said compliance is not optional.

“Institutions that fail to meet submission requirements should not be issued certificates until compliance is achieved,” she said.

The development casts a spotlight on gaps in adherence to gender-responsive planning and budgeting frameworks, which are intended to ensure inclusive service delivery across all government entities.

Majority of MDAs comply

Despite the non-compliance by the three entities, the EOC noted that the majority of government institutions are increasingly aligning with gender and equity requirements.

Nalule revealed that 146 out of the 149 entities that submitted their budgets and plans for review attained at least 50 percent, the minimum threshold required to qualify for certification.

This, she said, reflects growing awareness and commitment among ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) as well as local governments to integrate gender and equity considerations into their planning processes.

She urged the finance ministry to proceed with issuing certificates to all compliant institutions to enable the smooth implementation of their budgets.

Funding gap 

However, even as compliance improves, the Commission warned that enforcement efforts remain constrained by limited funding.

It​ is now seeking an additional sh17.3b from the finance ministry to strengthen its oversight and enforcement role.

Nalule outlined that sh5b is needed for capacity building in gender and equity planning and budgeting for MDAs and local governments, while another sh2b will support backstopping and enforcement of recommendations.

Annual tracking of compliance requirements will require sh5b, and sh1b will go towards developing vote-specific gender and equity guidelines aligned to the National Development Plan (NDP IV).

Additionally, sh3.3b has been earmarked for strengthening the capacity of both state and non-state actors to mainstream equal opportunities and affirmative action in policies, programmes, and cultural practices.

The Commission is also proposing a special programme worth sh3b aimed at integrating ethnic minorities into national development processes.

Government response

Receiving the report, finance minister Matia Kasaija acknowledged the concerns raised and pledged to engage further with the Commission on the funding request.

He said the EOC team would be linked to the ministry’s permanent secretary, Ramathan Ggoobi, to explore the possibility of mobilising additional resources.

Kasaija also advised the Commission to adopt more regular engagements with the finance ministry to strengthen its case for funding.

“You can ask for quarterly meetings instead of waiting for a full year. Provide brief reports on what you have achieved and what you need."

He added that consistent reporting would make it easier for the government to understand and support the Commission’s work.

Accountability

Speaking on the sidelines, EOC Senior Communications Officer Yusuf Muziransa emphasised the need for strict adherence to submission requirements.

“The Commission recommends that certification be granted to compliant entities and withheld from those that fail to meet the requirements until they comply,” he said.

The latest findings emphasise the growing importance of gender and equity compliance as a central pillar in Uganda’s budgeting process, while also highlighting persistent gaps that could undermine inclusive development if not addressed.