Kadaga directs Finance on Shs289b job projects

Speaker Rebecca Kadaga has directed the Ministry of Finance to provide Shs289b for job creation, labour productivity and labour inspections projects under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in the 2021/2022 Financial Year.
 In an October 8 letter to Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, Ms Kadaga indicated that she met President Museveni in Kamuli District on September 12, and it was agreed that funding for income-generating projects and programmes for unemployed and under-employed youth and women under the Ministry of Gender should be prioritised in the 2021/2022 Financial Year.
 In her letter, the Speaker indicated that the National Apprenticeship and Graduate Volunteer Scheme, which was approved by Cabinet in 2018, requires Shs50b, the Uganda Green Incubation Centre-Songhai Model Project, which was launched by the President in 2018, requires Shs34b, Shs 51b for the Green Jobs and Fair Labour Market Programme, and Shs100b for the Jobs for Urban Youth project.
The Speaker also directed the Finance Ministry to provide Shs20b for Strengthening Covid-labour for enhanced labour productivity project, and Shs32b for the Access to Labour Justice (Labour Complaints and Disputes Settlement Project).
When Mr Museveni and the Speaker presided over a ceremony of more than 3,228 youth and women who are organised in 190 groups in Busoga Sub-region last month, the President supported the call by the Speaker to inject more money in these projects under the Gender ministry.

Museveni’s take
“I thank Ugandans for remembering the things that make money and getting out of sleep. Everyone now has an urge to be involved in making money, which is good. I am happy that the Speaker is saying we add money in these projects of eradicating poverty,” Mr Museveni said in Kamuli.
These projects are spearheaded by the Department of Labour, Industrial Relations and Productivity, which is headed by Mr Alex Asiimwe, the Commissioner.
The Speaker’s letter is copied to the Prime Minister, the Secretary to the Treasury, Permanent Secretary and, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Mr Jim Mugunga, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Finance, said he had not yet seen the letter and that he could not comment about it. 
Attempts to get comments from Mr Asiimwe were futile by press time. 

About the projects
Jobs for Urban Youth (JOY) Project: This project aims at reducing youth unemployment through establishment of Industrial Business Shelters with youth and women export hubs, supporting micro, small and medium enterprises, as well as undertaking skills development for the underemployed and unemployed urban youth. Interventions under this project requires Shs100.5b.
Strengthening Covid-Labour inspections for enhanced labour Productivity Project: This Project has interventions aimed at reducing the risks of Covid-19 spread in the workplaces through intensifying labour, occupational safety and health inspections, establishment of regional labour inspection centres, and professionalisation of labour, including provision of tools and equipment. This project requires Shs20b.
Access to Labour Justice (Labour Complaints and Disputes Settlement Project): ‘‘You may note that the failure to settle labour complaints and disputes causes industrial unrest that leads to strikes, high cost of litigation and lost man hours. This negatively affects the business and investment in Uganda. This project intervention requires an initial Shs32b.’’
Uganda Green Incubation Centre-Songhai Model Project:The Uganda Green Incubation Programme - Songhai Model Project emphasises more production with less, zero waste, creation of green jobs, inclusive economy and self-reliance. 
Green Jobs and Fair Labour Market Programme:The government’s strategic plan is to create decent jobs by reducing negative environmental impacts and promoting safety and health at work ultimately leading to environmentally, economically and socially sustainable enterprises and economies.