THE CIVIL SOCIETY BUDGET ADVOCACY GROUP (CSBAG) - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION (EOC) END GENDER AND EQUITY CERTIFICATION PARTNERSHIP ACTIVITIES

Participants listening to Mr. Evans Jjemba’s presentation of the findings of the Ministerial Policy Statements for FY 2017/2018

The partnership of media public awareness campaign between the EOC and CSBAG on Gender and Equity certification, was climaxed by a joint media brief and Networking event, held at Hotel Africana on Friday 19th may 2017. At the event, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) urged the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), to include Gender and Equity planning and budgeting requirements in the Budget Calendar, to enable the EOC to effectively assess government institutions’ plans and budgets for Gender and Equity Compliance as required by law.

Hon. Margret Komuhangi – addressing guests at the event as the Acting Secretary to the Commission - Mr. Sunday Nicholas Olwor listens

During the event, Chairperson of the Gender, Labour and Social Development Parliamentary Committee - Hon. Margret Komuhangi requested MoFPED to put more emphasis on the Gender and Equity certification, and to follow recommendations made by the Equal Opportunities Commission. She acknowledged the EOC for playing its role by assessing Budget Framework Papers and Ministerial Policy Statements FY 2017/2018 for compliance of Gender and Equity requirements. In conclusion, she requested the Office of the Prime Minister to support the Commission by presenting the Budget Framework Papers in time and called upon MDAs “to make use of the guidelines provided by the EOC in compliance to Gender and Equity requirements.

Mr. Dennis Nduhura – Acting Chairperson to the Commission (center) addresses participants in the media briefing as Member Zaminah Malole (right) and Member Joel Cox Ojuko (left) listen.

While addressing the audience, the Acting Chairperson to the Commission; Mr. Denis Nduhura, requested MDAs and Local Governments “to mainstream Equal Opportunities and Affirmative Action in their respective policies, legislation, programmes and plans to attain inclusive and sustainable growth in order to achieve a middle income status by 2020.” Mr. Nduhura emphasized the Commission’s commitment in execution of its mandate to ensure an inclusive society, and commended CSBAG for joining the struggle to advocate for Gender and Equity budgeting.

In his remarks, the Executive Director CSBAG; Mr. Julius Mukunda, said Gender and Equity compliance is essential in promoting inclusive growth and development to ensure collective socio-economic development. This however cannot be achieved if sectors and institutions are not compliant, and noted that “the solution to this, will be CSBAG to expose the non-compliant institutions,” stated Mr. Mukunda.

Mr. Julius Mukunda – Executive Director CSBAG addressing participants

Planned interventions for non-compliant sectors

In response to the concern raised regarding what will be done to non-complaint institutions and sectors, Member Zaminah Malole informed guests that the Commission has already submitted the results of the assessments to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development as required by law and that the Parliament was to deal with the non-compliant sectors in accordance with the provisions of Section 78 of the Public Finance Management Act.”  She presented the challenges which the Commission is experiencing among them including its absence in the Budget calendar which affects the assessment process.