The Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga has directed the Ministry of Finance to provide Shs 289b for critical job-creation, labour productivity and labour inspections projects under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in the 2021/22 Financial Year.
In an October 8th letter to Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, Speaker Kadaga indicated that she met President Museveni in Kamuli district on 12th September 2020 and it was agreed that funding for income-generating projects and programmes for unemployed and under-employed youth and women under the Ministry of Gender should be prioritised in the 2021/22 Financial Year.
In her letter, the Speaker indicated that the National Apprenticeship and Graduate Volunteer Scheme, which was approved by Cabinet in 2018, requires Shs 50b, the Uganda Green Incubation Centre-Songhai Model Project which was launched by the President in 2018 requires Shs 34b, Shs 51b for the Green Jobs and Fair Labour Market Programme and Shs 100b for the Jobs for Urban Youth (JOY) project.
The Speaker also directed the Finance Ministry to provide Shs 20b for the Strengthening COVID-labour for enhanced labour productivity Project and Shs 32b for the Access to Labour Justice (Labour Complaints and Disputes Settlement Project).
When Mr Museveni and the Speaker presided over the giveaway of over to 3,228 youth and women who are organised in 190 groups in Busoga sub-region last month, the President supported the call by the Speaker to inject more money in these projects under the Gender Ministry.
“Ï thank Ugandans for remembering the things that make money and getting out of sleep. Everyone now has an urge to be involved in making money, which is good. I am happy that the Speaker is saying that we add money in these projects of eradicating poverty,” Mr Museveni said in Kamuli.
These critical projects are spearheaded by the Department of Labour, Industrial Relations and Productivity, which is headed by Mr Alex Asiimwe, the Commissioner.
The Speaker’s letter is copied to the Prime Minister and the Secretary to the Treasury and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
ABOUT THE PROJECTS:
Jobs for Urban Youth (JOY) Project:
This project aims at reducing youth unemployment through the establishment of Industrial Business Shelters (IBS) with youth and women export hubs, supporting micro, small and medium enterprises as well as undertaking skills development for the underemployed and unemployed urban youth. Interventions under this project require an initial Shs 100.5b.
Strengthening COVID-Labour inspections for enhanced labour Productivity Project:
This Project has interventions aimed at reducing the risks of COVID-19 spread in the workplaces through intensifying labour, occupational safety and health inspections, the establishment of regional labour inspection centres and professionalization of labour cadre in prevention and control, of COVID-19 at the workplaces including the provision of tools and equip. The interventions under this project require an initial Shs 20b.
Access to Labour Justice (Labour Complaints and Disputes Settlement Project):
You may note that the failure to settle labour complaints and disputes causes industrial unrest that leads to strikes, high cost of litigation and lost man-hours. This negatively affects the business environment and investment in Uganda. This project intervention requires an initial Shs 32b.
Uganda Green Incubation Centre-Songhai Model Project:
The Uganda Green Incubation Programme (UGIP) - Songhai Model Project emphasizes more production more with less, zero waste, creation of green jobs, inclusive economy and self-reliance. The cabinet under Minute No. 359(CT 2018) directed you to mobilise funds for upscaling Songhai Model in all regions of Uganda.
Green Jobs and Fair Labour Market Programme:
The Government’s strategic plan to create decent jobs by reducing negative environmental impacts and promoting safety and health at work ultimately leading to environmentally, economically and socially sustainable enterprises and economies.
