Govt needs sh360b to fund expanded elderly support programme
Unlike previous phases that focused on post-conflict recovery, the new programme is intended to drive economic transformation through youth enterprises and labour-intensive public works, targeting an estimated three million beneficiaries.
The funding gap was disclosed on June 10, 2026, during a ministerial handover ceremony at the ministry headquarters in Kampala, where permanent secretary Aggrey David Kibenge briefed the incoming leadership on key priorities and pending challenges. (Credit: Nancy Nanyonga)
KAMPALA - The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development requires an additional sh360 billion to implement a Cabinet-approved expansion of financial support for older persons, officials have revealed.
The funding gap was disclosed on June 10, 2026, during a ministerial handover ceremony at the ministry headquarters in Kampala, where permanent secretary Aggrey David Kibenge briefed the incoming leadership on key priorities and pending challenges.
The incoming ministers are Mary Kuteesa Kamuli (Gender and Culture), Mercy Lakisa Faith (Youth and Children Affairs), Simon Mulongo (Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations), Joyce Acan Okeny (Disability Affairs), Jacqueline Mbabazi (Elderly Affairs), and Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
The outgoing team comprised Betty Amongi, Balaam Barugahara (Youth and Children Affairs), Peace Mutuzo (Culture), Dominic Mafwabi Gidudu (Elderly Affairs) and Hellen Asamo (Disability Affairs).
However, he said no funding has been provided for the expanded programme in the 2026/27 financial year budget.
"This was one of the last decisions of Cabinet. Unfortunately, in the budget for the coming financial year, we don't have any money provided by the Ministry of Finance. You need to follow this up," Kibenge told the incoming ministers.
Betty Amongi outgoing Minister of gender remarks during the handover ceremony at Ministry of Gender head offices in Kampala on June 10, 2026. (Credit: Nancy Nanyonga)
He explained that implementation of the decision would increase the number of beneficiaries from slightly more than 300,000 to nearly one million older persons, pushing the annual cost of the programme from about sh120 billion to sh360 billion.
Youth programmes awaiting funding
He added that addressing youth unemployment remains a major priority, although the rollout of the Labour Market Information System, designed to connect job seekers with employers, has progressed more slowly than expected.
Other priorities include strengthening apprenticeship and internship programmes, supporting the Jua Kali informal sector and fast-tracking the Labour Union Amendment Bill before Cabinet.
Cultural and social protection priorities
On cultural matters, Kibenge highlighted several pending issues, including the gazettement of traditional institutions.
"The most urgent is that of the Banyole, which has been presented before the Prime Minister and a letter written," he said.
He also pointed to the unresolved future of Nommo Gallery, noting that the State House Comptroller had been tasked with arranging compensation for the ministry and facilitating the gallery's relocation.
Another major priority is the operationalisation of a single national registry under the fourth phase of the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF IV).
Betty Amongi Outgoing Minister of Gender looks on as Henry Tumukunde incoming Minister of Gender remarks during the handover ceremony at Ministry of Gender head offices in Kampala on June 10, 2026. (Credit: Nancy Nanyonga)
"The most important thing about this single registry is that it will help us target beneficiaries for government social protection programmes and avoid duplication, because we will have a database showing who is benefiting from what," Kibenge said.
The ministry is also preparing to roll out NUSAF IV, a World Bank-supported programme worth approximately US$276 million (about sh1 trillion).
Unlike previous phases that focused on post-conflict recovery, the new programme is intended to drive economic transformation through youth enterprises and labour-intensive public works, targeting an estimated three million beneficiaries.
In addition, the ministry is reviewing the National Social Protection Policy following a mid-term assessment.
Tribute to outgoing ministers
While outlining the ministry's priorities, Kibenge paid tribute to the outgoing ministers for their contribution to social inclusion and support for vulnerable groups.
In a vote of thanks delivered on behalf of the ministry, Amongi was commended for advancing gender equality, while Barugahara was praised for his accessibility and engagement with young people.
Mutuzo was recognised for championing women's rights, while Gidudu and Asamo were credited with advancing the interests of older persons and persons with disabilities.