Suruma, a former minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development and chancellor of Makerere University, revealed that he was the architect of the PDM concept 18 years ago. However, the project was shelved until its recent rollout. He now fears that it is being hastily implemented, jeopardizing its original goals.
Speaking during a keynote address at a dialogue organized by SEATINI Uganda on the role of social protection in sustainable development, Suruma highlighted flaws in the project’s execution. The dialogue aimed to amplify youth voices on investment policies, laws, and agreements that promote decent work, green jobs, and sustainable development in Uganda.
When asked how he would improve the program, Suruma suggested that all seven pillars of PDM cannot be effectively implemented simultaneously. He recommended focusing on agriculture first, which falls under pillar one, to boost productivity and marketing.
On financial inclusion, Suruma proposed that the funds allocated to PDM should have been distributed through established financial institutions, such as parish-level banks, to foster sustainability. He argued that the Shs 100 million allocated annually per parish could have been used to create parish-level banks, offering loans at low-interest rates, which would be more effective than the current approach of rushing through all pillars.
Suruma also advocated for the revival of cooperative societies at the parish level, providing credit through agro-commodity exchange rather than distributing cash. He emphasized the importance of equipping communities with financial literacy to avoid mismanagement of funds.
He pointed out that while the government allocates Shsx 1 trillion annually to PDM, experts have noted that the financial inclusion pillar resembles a microfinance scheme rather than a true inclusion program. Suruma also highlighted opportunities in Uganda’s oil and gas industry, suggesting that a portion of the revenues should be directed towards social security.
Drawing from the Libyan model under the late Muammar Gaddafi, Suruma praised Libya’s approach to using oil revenues for social security, citing how every Libyan was entitled to housing. He urged Uganda to consider similar policies, ensuring oil revenues don’t turn out to be a curse but benefit social protection, particularly for the country’s youth.
“Social security encompasses the security of all and includes child protection, unemployment insurance, health insurance, occupational accident insurance, old-age and veterans’ insurance,” Suruma said, adding social protection aims to ensure that everyone in the country has access to safety nets and support systems to improve their well-being, especially during times of need.
As said, social protection in Uganda is accessible to those in formal employment, yet more than 66 per cent of Ugandans work on oral agreements, many without contracts.
He stressed that social protection should aim to provide safety nets for all citizens, especially during times of need. In Uganda, social protection is largely accessible only to those in formal employment, despite over 66 per cent of the population working without formal contracts.
Robinah Kagoye, executive director of Labour Voices, criticized the government’s promotion of “cheap labour” as an economic advantage, calling it a disservice to Ugandans. She noted that Uganda has not revised its minimum wage since 1984, still at Shs 6,000 per month, despite proposals to raise it to Shs 130,000.
“Where are the decent jobs promised in exchange for cheap labour? It’s time for real change, not political slogans,” she said adding, “Labour is not a commodity. Cheap labour isn’t something to boast about – it undermines human dignity.”
SEATINI Uganda’s executive director, Jane Nalunga, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for investment laws to align with Uganda’s broader sustainable development goals. She called for policies that integrate environmental protection, social equity, and economic growth to ensure inclusive development.
“Investment policies should prioritize the creation of decent work opportunities, which includes ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for workers’ rights,” she said.
The dialogue underscored the importance of youth involvement in shaping policies that affect their future, particularly in advocating for decent work and sustainable economic growth. Participants emphasized that investment policies should lead to job creation, improved social services, and higher living standards.
inarticle} inarticle}