Foreword.
Exclusion and deprivation of individuals and groups of people are social evils largely caused by discrimination and marginalization leading to inequalities and lack of enforcement of human rights. Equitable and sustainable development, creation of wealth and improvement in livelihoods emphasize equal treatment, non marginalization and discrimination in resource allocation, power centers, opportunity, access to services and goods based on one’s status, social origin, economic standing, cultural background, religion and sex.
The second generation of the National Equal Opportunities Policy recognizes the existence of the Equal Opportunities Commission Act (2007) and the functionality of the Commission. However, many of the development programmes still do not involve and consult the certain categories of people thus marginalized individuals and communities who are excluded and disadvantaged by illiteracy, lack of information, high incidence of poverty and live in hard to reach areas.
There is a strong need for all development practitioners at all levels to recognize the rights and dignity of vulnerable groups and give them an opportunity to participate in the design and implementation of development programmes.
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development is committed to working with all stakeholders to redress imbalances as articulated in the constitution and to promote equal opportunities for all so as to realize a society free from all forms of discrimination and wherein all persons have equal opportunities in accessing goods and services.
The successful implementation of the Equal Opportunities Policy, 2021 will depend on the synergistic and collective actions of all stakeholders; Ministries, Agencies and Local Governments (MALGs), Development Partners, Religious Institutions, Cultural Institutions, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Private Sector and all Ugandans.
I have no doubt that this policy will guide all stakeholders to deal with the challenges of exclusion and inequalities that underlie the rights and freedoms of all the marginalized and vulnerable individuals and groups of people.
For God and my Country.
Amongi Betty Ongom (MP).
Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development