Call for Stronger Child and Social Protection Financing Echoes Ahead of 12th Parliament Agenda

By Annet Nakato

At a high-level policy meeting convened to shape priorities for Uganda’s 12th Parliament, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG), Julius Tumukunde, delivered a compelling appeal for increased and more strategic financing for child and social protection.

Addressing policymakers, development partners, and civil society actors, Tumukunde underscored the urgent need to place vulnerable children and social protection systems at the center of national budgeting and legislative planning.

He argued that while Uganda has made notable commitments on paper, these must now be matched with adequate and sustained financial investment.

“Children represent the future of this country, yet they remain among the most underfunded groups in our national budget,” Tumukunde stated. “If the 12th Parliament is to deliver meaningful impact, it must prioritize financing that safeguards children’s wellbeing and strengthens social protection systems.

Tumukunde highlighted persistent gaps in funding for key sectors such as child health, education, and social welfare services.

He noted that many existing programs remain fragmented and heavily reliant on donor support, raising concerns about sustainability and national ownership.

He further emphasized the importance of shifting from reactive to preventive approaches.

According to him, investing in early childhood development, social safety nets, and community-based protection systems can significantly reduce long-term social and economic costs.

Financing social protection is not charity it is a strategic investment in human capital development,” he added.

We need to see deliberate budget allocations that reflect this understanding.”Participants at the meeting also discussed the need for improved coordination among government agencies, as well as stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure that allocated funds reach intended beneficiaries.

Tumukunde called for enhanced parliamentary oversight, urging legislators to take a more active role in tracking expenditures and outcomes in child focused programs.

In addition, he stressed the importance of inclusive policy-making, advocating for the meaningful participation of communities, especially young people, in shaping policies that affect them.

As Uganda prepares for the 12th Parliament, stakeholders at the meeting expressed hope that child and social protection financing will not only feature prominently on the agenda but will also translate into tangible policy actions.

Tumukunde concluded his remarks with a clear message: “The choices made by the 12th Parliament will determine whether Uganda can build a resilient, inclusive society where every child has the opportunity to thrive. The time to act is now.”