Minister Betty Amongi Launches Landmark Equal Opportunities Report, Urges Inclusive Development
By Okidi Patrick
KAMPALA, Uganda – November 5, 2025 – The Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi Akena, on Tuesday 4th ,November 2025, officially launched the 12th Annual Report on the State of Equal Opportunities in Uganda, emphasizing its critical role in fostering fairness, inclusion, and justice for all citizens.
Speaking at Hotel Africana in Kampala, Minister Amongi highlighted the report’s theme: “Inclusive Service Delivery for Sustainable and Equitable Development,” for the Financial Year 2024/2025.
“It gives me great pleasure and honour to preside over the launch and dissemination of this 12th Annual Report, which is a critical tool in our collective pursuit of fairness, inclusion, and justice,” Minister Amongi stated.
She reminded attendees that equality and gender balance are not merely aspirations but constitutional imperatives, as set out in Article 32 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995, and the Employment Act. The Minister affirmed the government’s steadfast commitment, through the NRM, to establish and continuously support the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) to ensure inclusive access and participation in all state and non-state programs.
Citing the 2024 National Housing and Population Census, Hon. Amongi noted Uganda’s population stands at 45.9 million, with significant segments comprising women, youth, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities. These groups, she observed, frequently encounter unique barriers in critical areas such as education, health, employment, and access to essential services.
“These challenges must be addressed to break cycles of exclusion and poverty,” she urged, adding, “Our goal must be clear: No Ugandan should be left behind in the development process.”
The Minister commended the Equal Opportunities Commission for fulfilling its statutory mandate under Section 24 of the Employment Act, which necessitates the annual production of this crucial report. She also extended gratitude to development partners, including UN Women, ENABEL, the Global Fund, and DIHR, for their generous support, urging their continued partnership in advancing equality and inclusion across all sectors.
The 12th Annual Report presents a comprehensive overview of the state of equal opportunities, detailing key findings that include:
Government achievements in redressing inequalities from 1986 to 2025.
Gender and equity concerns within planning and budgeting processes.
The current state of lower secondary education.
Access to health services, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
The political participation of marginalized groups.
While acknowledging evident progress, the report also highlights persistent gaps, particularly the low level of implementation of EOC recommendations by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and local governments.
“This calls for renewed commitment and accountability from all stakeholders,” Minister Amongi concluded, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to translate the report’s findings into tangible improvements for all Ugandans.
