The Parliamentary Committee on Gender has urged the government to significantly increase deliberate, sustained, and coordinated financing for childcare and protection services across the country.
Committee Chairperson and Kyegegwa District Woman MP Flavia Kabahenda raised concerns about the persistent struggle to allocate sufficient resources to this critical sector.
She warned that without increased funding particularly direct transfers to child protection departments at both national and local levels efforts to end violence against children, girls, and women will remain inadequate.
Kabahenda emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach that involves the health, education, justice, and local government sectors.
She also called for inclusive budgeting that addresses the needs of vulnerable children, including those with disabilities, children in refugee settlements, on the streets, or those without parental care.
Meanwhile, UNICEF has echoed the call for stronger support systems.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, Susan Birungi urged the Government of Uganda, development partners, and civil society to strengthen the social service workforce to ensure every child has access to care and protection.
Birungi also highlighted the importance of a robust, child-focused data system and improved coordination to enhance service delivery.
By Francis Lubega
18th June 2025
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