Only 14 of 144 SDG Targets Achieved in Africa – Minister Mutuuzo

Hon. Peace Regis Mutuuzo, Uganda’s Minister of State for Gender, has said that progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been uneven—and in some cases, aggressive.

Speaking at a pre-event meeting with civil society, major groups, and other stakeholders ahead of the 11th African Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD), which starts tomorrow at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Mutuuzo noted that out of 144 specific goals, Africa has only achieved 14.

“And I don’t think we’ve reached 100% on even those 14,” she said. “We are struggling but making progress. There is hope—and that hope lies in inclusive, coordinated, and innovative responses that place people at the center of development. That’s why this workshop is so important. Engaging stakeholders is not just a formality; it’s a necessity.”

Mutuuzo, who is also the Woman MP for Bunyangabu District, highlighted the important role of the private sector in supporting government efforts, especially in education. She noted that Uganda has achieved gender equity in school enrollment at both primary and secondary levels.

“Even at completion level, there is a balance—about 46% female and 54% male. These groups are critical development partners. They bring local knowledge, lived experiences, scientific insights, and the passion to turn policies into real results,” she added.

She acknowledged the contributions of youth-led innovations, women-led cooperatives, and community-led climate actions, noting that empowered Ugandans have shown they can drive sustainable development.

The workshop, organized with support from the UN Economic Commission for Africa and the African Regional Mechanism for Major Groups and Other Stakeholders, aims to equip stakeholders with the tools and information they need to effectively participate in the forum.

“It’s a chance to reflect on Africa’s progress and challenges in achieving the SDGs and Agenda 2063, to highlight the contributions of stakeholders, and to amplify a unified voice that will inform Africa’s position at the High-Level Political Forum in New York later this year,” she said. “This is not just a technical meeting—it’s a platform for solidarity, dialogue, and advocacy. It’s about shaping a future for Africa that is fair, inclusive, and sustainable.”

She praised UNECA for ensuring that civil society and grassroots voices are included and heard.

“To all major groups and stakeholders here today—your work matters. Your voices matter. Your ideas are the seeds for real transformation. As we begin this workshop, I urge you to be bold, creative, and collaborative.”

Mutuuzo also addressed the need for innovation, particularly in the face of serious conflicts across Africa.

“In conflict situations, it’s hard to talk about gender and be heard. But we must press on with the issues we need to catch up on, using AI and innovative technologies—especially to support marginalized groups.”

She emphasized that access to land and environmental protection should not be discriminatory.

“With the rising hunger and environmental challenges, women must have access to land. In Uganda, and the Great Lakes region, the exclusion of women from land ownership has contributed to environmental degradation.”

According to Mutuuzo, women in Uganda make up 65% of the agricultural workforce.

“How do they access food or money for their children’s education? Without land, many end up invading wetlands. That’s why we must change our thinking and reform laws and policies. In Uganda, we’ve introduced software that allows women to process and receive land titles in their villages. As a result, women’s land ownership has risen from 13% to 44%.”

Carole Ageng’o, a human rights lawyer and gender expert who co-chaired the workshop, urged civil society organizations to hold themselves to high ethical standards.

“So, we must also come with clean hands as a civil society when we now step into getting the government to do the right thing. We have been conditioned to think in linear ways from the civil society perspective. We must debunk that, we must break that and integrate, bring in intersectionality because our issues are not linear.”

Olabukunola Williams, SRHR Lead at Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA), urged CSO members and leaders to prioritize emerging issues, including education for persons with disabilities.