Professor Ezra Suruma has called on the government to adopt comprehensive social protection measures to prevent Ugandans from falling into poverty.
Addressing youth leaders from various universities during a dialogue organized by SEATINI Uganda, Suruma emphasized the need for policies that ensure all citizens can live with dignity.
Speaking at the event held at Essella Country Hotel, Suruma urged the government to consider using oil revenues to fund social protection programs, providing a safety net for all citizens during times of vulnerability.
“As a country, we should adopt social protection for all citizens so that no one is allowed to fall into a subhuman state,” he stated.
Suruma highlighted the importance of policies and programs aimed at reducing vulnerability by promoting efficient labor markets and enhancing individuals’ capacity to protect themselves against hazards.
“We want full employment and a healthy workforce, but we must ensure people do not fall into desperation during periods of unemployment or between contracts,” he added.
He further suggested that oil revenues be set aside to support social protection programs, especially in times of unemployment, old age, illness, and other vulnerabilities.
“There must be an arrangement, as seen in other civilized countries, where oil revenues are used to make social protection possible,” Suruma said.
The professor warned that failing to address social protection needs could lead to increased crime and instability.
“If we don’t ensure social protection, criminality, immorality, and corruption will rise due to unbearable insecurity,” he cautioned.
The dialogue, which brought together youth leaders from Makerere, MUBS, Kyambogo, and Cavendish University, focused on investment-related policies and how the Investment Code Act 2019 can be leveraged to address unemployment and promote decent work among Uganda’s youth.
Ms. Jane Nalunga, Executive Director of SEATINI Uganda, highlighted the importance of effective policies in facilitating economic empowerment and stability.
“The dialogue emphasizes that effective policies can lead to job creation, better social services, and improved living standards,” she noted.
Nalunga urged young people to advocate for investment policies that prioritize decent work, ensuring that jobs are sustainable and supportive of workers’ rights.
“It is critical for youths to understand and advocate for policies that prioritize decent work, not just job creation,” she added.
Ms. Robinnah Kagoye, Executive Director of Voices for Labour, stressed the need for investment policies that focus on improving livelihoods rather than just profits.
“Investment policies should be responsible and consider the welfare of people over profits,” she argued.
Kagoye pointed out that globalization has changed the nature of work, making it more challenging to secure direct employment that meets decent work standards.
“Many companies now rely on outsourcing and agency work, which often fails to meet decent work criteria,” she explained.
Herbert Kafeero, Programs Communications Manager at SEATINI, emphasized the importance of engaging youth in policy discussions.
“Young people are the next generation of policymakers and leaders. It is crucial to engage them in discussions about investment policies and how these can address challenges like unemployment and decent work,” he said.
Kafeero revealed that SEATINI Uganda is reviewing the Investment Code Act 2019 to address its gaps and promote pro-development investment policies in Uganda.
He added that the discussions from the youth engagement will culminate in a manifesto aimed at making investment policies work for the youth.
“The outcome of today’s engagement will be a manifesto compiling all the views and concerns shared by the youth on investment policies to foster decent work, green jobs, and sustainable development in Uganda,” Kafeero concluded.
