1. F O R U M
F O R WOMEN IN
DEMOCRACY
FOWODE E-NEWS
JULY-SEPTEMBER 2012, ISSUE 5
FOWODE CONGRATULATES
ALL UGANDANS ON THE 50TH
INDEPENDENCE JUBILEE
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
4
G Gender concerns in the oil bills
F 7 Female MPs Seek Gender inclusion
in district budgets
8 Civil Society Position on the Public
Finance Bill 2012
Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE)
is a non-partisan national women’s
organization.
Vision: A just and fair society where women
and men equally participate in and benefit
from decision-making processes.
Mission: To promote gender equality in all
areas of decision-making through
advocacy, training, research, and
publications

2. My Internship Experience at FOWODE
In July 2012, FOWODE received interns from Purdue University who had
come to acquire hands- on experience with FOWODE’s work of promoting
gender equality in decision making. In their three weeks period each of
the interns got a chance to experience the working environment in
Uganda both at the national level and at the grassroots. In this article
Trinity Overmyer shares her three weeks’ internship experiences and how
it impacted on her.
I relay my experience with FOWODE projects during a three-week
internship in July 2012 and how they fit into the greater mission of
this organization, as well as how these assignments and
experiences relate to where FOWODE is moving in the future.
During this period I attended a joint listening in of the 2012/13
national budget speech that was organized by FOWODE for various
civil society organizations. I found it interesting that so many NGOs Trinity Overmyer, during a field trip in FOWODE’s districts of operation.
gather to listen and discuss the upcoming year’s budget. They
I have never been particularly interested in politics or the democratic process, but
come together and share information, excitement and
seeing the villagers come together to fight for themselves has inspired me to be
disappointments over government pronouncements for the next
more involved as well.
financial year.
“Many people in the U.S. think that if Uganda The community members seemed to be taking charge of the clubs and their
needs help, they need food, clothes and mission themselves and I think this is what will keep this program going far into
mosquito nets. If someone asked me now, I the future. They are pushing to get more training so they can train others. Their
would say Uganda is striving to create more ideas about financially sustaining themselves are ingenious. The VBC program is
innovative, and more than that, it is effectively furthering FOWODE’s mission of
infrastructure, better education and healthcare promoting women’s participation in democratic processes and making
for its citizens and better working government governments accountable.
officials”.
The budget speech was really interesting and informative for me. It My internship coincided with FOWODE’s Leadership building Camp. I was instantly
helped me learn and think so much about how Uganda does impressed with the professionalism of the young women as they gave speeches
development and where FOWODE fits into that scheme. Many people and seemed to be genuinely working to learn the concepts presented for the day.
in the U.S. think that if Uganda needs help, they need food, clothes My time at FOWODE was eye opening. Being able to learn about how they are
and mosquito nets. If someone asked me now, I would say Uganda is engaging in women’s issues in Uganda also helped me to look at Uganda’s culture
striving to create more infrastructure, better education and and traditions, not just from a feminist or American lens, but from a humanistic
healthcare for its citizens, and better working government officials. one. I got to spend time with the staff that explained the culture to me and shed
By infrastructure, I mean roads, access to clean water, access to light on some of the differences in Uganda that I did not previously understand.
loans, and systems to check and balance those in positions of power. Although the programs are amazing, FOWODE’s staff is really the greatest asset.
That budget speech helped me think about things more deeply, such They are dedicated to the women’s movement; it was apparent in the way they
as, “Yes, growing more tea for export will bring in more for the gross talked about their projects and where they wanted to see the organization go in
national product, but people also need to keep growing food to feed the future.
the population.” Or “Taxing alcohol does raise money for the
government, but how will that negatively impact rural farmers who I got a feel for what it would be like to work for a non-profit organization full
grow the products that make the alcohol?” Not to mention that time. In the end, I appreciated that there was a lot to learn in such a short and I
government was to raise the tax on cosmetics, which seems trivial, am excited to continue following FOWODE’s work in Uganda.
until you realize that these taxes only impact women, who are
expected to wear makeup in the workplace.
Whereas in Uganda issues, such as better roads, seem to be
constantly on the budget, year after year without improvement,
America seems to flip flop continually about what projects are Left: Lauren Coleman with VBC members
in Gulu district
important. One day insurance companies are mandated to cover
birth control; the next Planned Parenthood is getting defunded
Below: Racheal Tobias dancing with
entirely. Although we were included in many staff meetings, the big community members in Kabale district
budget meeting was the most insightful for me as an outsider in
Uganda. I got to see in detail how the government makes priorities.
It was also really great for Julius Mukunda, the FOWODE Senior
Program Director to come speak with us after the budget was
announced to explain things and answer questions.
My time in the field was the highlight of my internship;it was an
invaluable experience. I visited Kibaale district one of the districts
where FOWODE implements her programs. I was able to see a
different side of Uganda than the busy city of Kampala. I got to see
the road conditions for myself; only then could I really understand
what the grassroots Village Budget Clubs that FOWODE supports
were up against, and how their struggle with infrastructure issues
really affects their lives on a daily basis. Even after all of my
research, I only had a true picture of the clubs after I visited a group
of them and was able to watch the process unfold. I will say again
how impressive this program is, and how impassioned the
participants are. Not only do the VBCs bring real, measurable
changes to the community and government, but the members
become empowered and are changing their own lives as well.
FOWODE E-NEWSLETTER 2

3. Community group mediates on illegal healthcare payments
i.e. immunization, antenatal care and family planning services. The
other resolution was to refund money to all women who had paid for
Village budget club members in Kisiita Sub County in Kibaale
the immunization cards that day, even those who had earlier been
stopped illegal payments made at Kisiita Health Center III for denied the service were called back and their children were
antenatal cards, child immunization cards and family planning immunized.
services
A formal report on this incident was subsequently presented to the
Kibaale District Health Officer by the village budget club members
In September 2012, Kisiita Village budget club members a grassroots
urging his office to intervene. They made three follow up visits to
community group mobilized by FOWODE to monitor service delivery for
assess if changes were being implemented. On the first visit the
improved gender accountability monitored Kisiita Health Centre III to
women complained they were being neglected by health personnel,
examine the quality of service delivery. Being an immunization day, the
this necessitated the Village budget club members to approach the
center was busy; however they met the health center personnel and also
sub county chief asking him to talk to the health center personnel
held discussions with patients to review their levels of satisfaction with
about their conduct. By the third follow up visit there were more
the services provided at this Health Center. During these interactions the
than 90 clients who had brought their children for immunization, no
club members learnt that women in this community always pay a fee to
mother had paid any money and the personnel were working well.
acquire child immunization cards, antenatal cards and family planning
An official response is yet to be presented to the Village budget club
services. In fact on this very day, many mothers had been turned away
members from the District Health Officer but the change witnessed
and their children had not been immunized because they did not have
at the health center where women and children access free health
Ugshs 1000 for an immunization card. This forced the members to
services suggests that district and subcounty leadership took action
immediately contact the Kibaale District Health Officer who affirmed that
on the concerns of the community presented by village budget club
such payments are the members then these are free
With that assurance,unauthorized becausecontacted the in government
members.
charge of Kisiita Health Center to explain why they make
services
women pay for free government services. In response, the in
As told by TinnerAreeba, FOWODE Field Officer Kibaale District.
charge stated that although this was a common practice at
the heath center, it was never endorsed by authorities of the
health center. He further noted that staff collected money
from patients but never declared it to the authorities.
In order to resolve this issue, the Village Budget Club
membersquickly organized a meeting with the personnel at
the health center and two resolutions were made in this
meeting. One was that the health center immediately stops
charging these illegal fees so that every woman and child
visiting this health center receives free health services
“Pregnant women were required to
pay Ugshs 500 for an antenatal card
while those who brought children
were required to pay Ugshs 1000 for
a child immunization card’
The VBC member below displaying the child health cards
Mother’s registering with VBC members to claim
which the mothers had bought .
the money paid for an immunisation card from
the Health centre personell.
FACT:
Women in Uganda when pregnant
are required to have an antenatal
card, which contains proof that a
physician has seen them
throughout their pregnancy.
FOWODE E-NEWSLETTER 3

4. The Gender Concerns in the Petroleum Sector management bills
The increasing public awareness
of the economic potential of the
discovery and exploration of oil
and gas in Uganda led to the
adoption of the National Oil and
Gas Policy in Uganda in 2008.
The Policy provides for passing of
appropriate laws to give effect to
Article 244 of the Constitution of
Uganda and to facilitate the
implementation of the Policy.
of the performance of the petroleum sector
Government tabled two bills before the 9th Parliament of Uganda in February 2012 indicating actions taken to deliver on various
namely the: commitments of government to the
FACT:
1. Petroleum (Exploration, Development and Production) Bill of 2012 (Bill No. achievement of gender equality and the
1); and empowerment of women in the area of
2. Petroleum (Refining, Gas processing and Conversion, Transportation and education and training;
Storage) Bill, 2012 (Bill No.2).
employment;
access to
information
Forum for Women in Democracy commissioned a Section 25 authorizes the Board to appoint
and other
gender audit to ensure that the rights of women and Committees to which it can forward any matter for
productive
men are equally protected and ultimately all people scrutiny and deliberation. The principle of equal
resources;
of Uganda are able to enjoy the benefits accruing opportunity for men and women should be upheld
leadership
from the exploration, development and production of under Section 31 which provides for the appointment
oil and gas in Uganda without subjection to any form of staff and other officers of the Authority and
of discrimination. The audit highlights the key gender Affirmative action measures should be undertaken and decision making etc as required under
issues and gaps in the 2 bills and gives where necessary to ensure equality of opportunity for the National Development Plan, Uganda’s
recommendations to improve the bills for the equal employment within the Authority particularly at Vision 2025, the Millennium Development
benefit of all. decision making levels. Goals (MDGs) and key human rights
instruments signedat regional and
Land ownership and Petroleum rights, Functions of the Authority international level.
FOWODE recommends that Section 5 of Bill 1 should One of the functions of the Authority articulated under
be aligned with Article 237 of the Constitution of Section 11 (2) (i) is to ensure that licensees uphold The National Oil Company
Uganda which states that “Land in Uganda belongs to laws, regulations, rules and contract terms. This There is no provision in The Bill No. 1 which
the citizens of Uganda and shall vest in them in should be interpreted to include adherence to laws, linkstheNational Oil Company to the
accordance with the land tenure systems provided regulations and rules that enable the government of Authority. For purposes of protecting the
for by law.” This means that government shall Uganda to meet its commitments to gender equality interests of the State and the shareholders –
exercise petroleum rights on the land on behalf of and women’s empowerment through the operations of majority of whom should be Ugandans – the
the citizens of Uganda for their full benefit. the Petroleum Sector. Authority should have powers to check and
Therefore, that part of the provision which refers to ensure that the operators of the company
“.... held on behalf of the Republic of Uganda” In fulfilling its functions of protecting the health and promote the principles of equality, equity,
should be replaced with “... held on behalf of the safety of workers and the public, the Authority should fair competition and non- discrimination
citizens of Uganda.” take into account the differentiated impact of
petroleum activities on the health and safety of Opening up of new areas for petroleum
Appointment of the Board of Directors for the women and men and also children. Monitoring the activities
Petroleum Authority impact on different population groups and workers When assessing the impact of petroleum
with special needs like pregnant women or activities in new potential areas for licensing
Bill No. 1 authorizes the Minister of Petroleum to breastfeeding mothers would enable the Authority to are undertaken. It is recommended that such
appoint the Board of Directorsand the members with develop appropriate regulations as well as give assessments should take into account gender
the approval of the Cabinet. In order to achieve this directions to Licensees on such actions to take to considerations and analyse the differentiated
goal and to have a more objective process of secure the health and safety of such workers. impact on men and women in the areas and
appointment for the members of the Board, it is the implications the activities will have on
proposed that the Minister appoints the members Powers of the Minister their health, food security, and a whole
with the endorsement of Cabinet and approval of The Minister has power under Section 14 of Bill range of human rights.
Parliament. It’s also important that oversight role of No.1to give directions to the Authority and such
the National Assembly in the Petroleum sector is directionshave to be gazetted. To avoid abuse of Given that Sections 48 of Bill No. 1 and
entrenched in the 2 bills to scrutinize key power in the office of the Minister in charge of Section 12 (2) (d) of Bill No. 2, give the
appointments in the sector. Petroleum and to secure the independence of the public, interested parties and those who will
Authority in its operations as provided for in Section 15 be most affected a right to share their views
Although Section 18 (3) provides for at least two of the Bill, a schedule should be included in the Bill to in writing with the Minister. It is
women to be on the Board, it is recommended that indicate specific areas where the Minister can give recommended that information on the
the provision should be to have at least 3 competent such directions. The specific areas in this case should impact assessments should be provided in
female members since Uganda today is aiming at include possible directions intended to promote equal appropriate formats that make it accessible
realizing gender parity in all decision making opportunities for men and women in the petroleum to different categories of people and
structures and public bodies. sector. population groups. The law should obligate
the Minister to collect views of the people
It is further recommended that Section 18 (5) Board Annual Report and communities that are mentioned in the
which outlines the proven experience for the Under Section 42, the Board of Directors is required to impact assessment reports as the most
members of the Board should include experience in present an annual report to the Minister who vulnerable. This is to ensure that the
undertaking gender analysis, planning and subsequently submits it to Parliament. It is processes of collecting views are inclusive of
programming. recommended to make it mandatory under Section both men and women in the communities
42(2) for the Board Report to include a gender analysis that will be most affected by the proposed
petroleum activities.
FOWODE E-NEWSLETTER 4

5. The Gender Concerns continued….
Gender issues and
gaps in the Petroleum
(Refining, Gas
Processing and
Conversion,
Transportation and
Storage) Bill (Bill
No.2)
Submission of an application for a license
The regulations on the application for a
license under Section 9 of Bill No. 2 should
Citizen Participation and access to information cadre of employment in the Petroleum sector who place an obligation on the Minister and the
In order for citizens to participate effectivelyand will most likely be women. The rights of workers in Authority to take into account gender issues
make informed decisions, there is need for a the sector should be protected from the onset and right from the time of assessing the
mechanism to make information available and licensees in breach of labour laws should be duly applications for a license to operate in
accessible to different population groups so as to directed to comply or face the consequences of the midstream petroleum activities. This will
raise people’s awareness and consciousness about law. give the government of Uganda an opportune
activities in the Petroleum Sector. There is also moment to set standards to be met by all
need to take into account their different roles, Oil and gas exploration, development and applicants in order to achieve specific gender
capacities, levels of education and exposure and production plus the midstream activities is male targets and commitments to ensure that the
their vulnerability to the impact of the petroleum dominated. Thus it is imperative that government application processes are gender responsive.
activities on their health, safety and livelihoods. sets clear equity principles to address the need for
women and men to access employment in this In the Regulations that are to be developed
The displacement of persons/ communities/ sector. With the support of women to access higher by the Minister under Bill No. 2 as provided
acquisition of Land education at university level and scholarships for for under Section 10 (1), the requirements to
Majority of women do not own land (titled land) but those taking science based disciplines, there should specify gender mainstreaming targets as part
have interests in the land they use for agricultural be a deliberate effort to get more female students of the plans of the applicants should be
production or for matrimonial purposes. These in courses relevant to the petroleum sector in order included.
interests have to be protected by law and where to make them competitive. Technical training
compensation is to be made the interests of women should target both men and women and this should It is also important for the applicants to
have to be assessed and duly compensated. In case be the standard policy in the Authority and also indicate in more specific terms the benefits
of government acquisition of land on which the directed by the Authority for all licensees. that will accrue to women and men as a
owners have a matrimonial home, the man and result of their operations in this sector. For
woman have to be fully informed and both of them It is prudent that Oil companies bidding for example they should indicate their Corporate
involved in the process leading to the compensation contracts to sign a statement of commitment to Social Responsibility Strategy and how it will
or resettlement. Women in most rural communities gender equity and also incorporate commitment to benefit different population groups in the
in Uganda have access to land through their spouses gender and equality as criterion for equality communities where their operations will be
or male family members. These realities should be criterion for scoring bids on oil operations that are based.
taken into account when compensation and put to public tender. In addition, it would be
resettlement decisions are being made. worthwhile to integrate gender equity outcomes As part of government’s obligation to fulfill
with key milestones in the overall human resource the citizen’s right to information speculated
Female headed households must be recognized in plan for the Authority and the licensees. This would Under Section 12, it should be included in
their own right and their interests in land acquired build into women’s benefit plans, quantifiable the Regulations that the Minister and
by government for purposes of oil and gas training and employment outcomes. Authority shall use community based
exploration, development and production or other approaches to get information to the
midstream activities regulated under Bill No. 2 are Childcare for women working in the sector different categories of affected people and
fully compensated without prejudice to their All licensees should have employment policies that communities and ensure that they are
status. Single women and men as well as widows enable male and female employees to have a well- involved in this process. This should be done
and widowers should be allocated land for balanced life - work and social life balance. The in addition to publishing the notice in the
resettlement in their own right. Government has to right to maternity and paternity leave should be official gazette and in a newspaper with wide
interpret carefully the provisions on compensation protected and the minimum standards articulated circulation. The Petroleum sector being quite
for land taken up for oil and gas exploration to in the Employment Act of 2006 adhered to including technical the obligation placed on
ensure that women and children in polygamous the maximum hours of work. Most working places of government, the Authority and Ministry
union are not disadvantaged. the Companies engaged in oil and gas exploitation concerned is quite high to ensure that no
are far from other essential service centres. person is disadvantaged due to use of gender
Labour issues Therefore, child care facilities should be provided blind approaches in implementing the
Bill No.1 makes provision for the establishment of as a standard requirement for any licensee. provisions of the Oil and Gas Policy as well as
the Petroleum Authority in Uganda. The law should the Petroleum Bills.
oblige the staff of the Authority to promote equal Monitoring and Evaluation
opportunities for men and women in the sector. The Authority should ensure that the mechanisms
Compliance with labour laws is critical to ensure for monitoring and evaluation the petroleum sector
that the right to equal pay for men and women for enables both women and men to participate by “It is Crucial that every bill
work of equal value is upheld by all key taking into account their differences in roles, tabled in Parliament is subjected
stakeholders in the sector. The Authority should capacity to engage and the extent of the impact on to a Gender Audit”
have a strong Inspectorate to ensure that licensees their lives and public interests. The Regulations
do not exploit workers especially those in the lower developed under the two Bills should facilitate the
Authority to fulfill this obligation.
.
The two bills have been in Uganda’s Natural Resources
Parliamentary Committee which has also been
receiving submissions from different stakeholders
including FOWODE
FOWODE E-NEWSLETTER 5

6. LAUNCH OF 89.5 SPEAK FM IN PICTURES
ABOVE: FOWODE board and staff as well as 89.5 SPEAK FM staff teamed up to
clean Gulu Town before the launch of the radio
BELOW:Patricia MunabiBabiiha, the FOWODE ED, addressing the audience in Gulu
during the launch of 89.5 SPEAK FM in Gulu
ABOVE: FOWODE Staff hosted in the 89.5 SPEAK FM studios
LEFT: Hon. Santa the Chief Walker leads the walk in Gulu Town
ABOVE :FOWODE Board members, 89.5 SPEAK FM Staff with the Chief Guest
Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga 89.5 at SPEAK FM Radio in Gulu
RIGHT: 89.5 Speak FM Staff entertaining the crowd during the launch of the
radio in Gulu
FOWODE E-NEWSLETTER 6

7. NEWS IN SUMMARY Training in Gender responsive budgeting and
Launching 89.5 SPEAK FM in Gulu
resource tracking for the Agriculture sector
Julius Mukunda, FOWODE Senior Program Director during the CSBAG
Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament of Uganda, FOWODE Board members Training.
during the launch of the 89.5 SPEAK FM in Gulu
FOWODE on behalf of the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG)
To mark its 1 year anniversary, 89.5 SPEAK FM in Gulu a radio conducted capacity building trainings for CSBAG members from
Kampala, Pallisa and Soroti districts in gender responsive budgeting and
station affiliated to Forum for Women in Democracy was officially
budget tracking for the agriculture sector. Participants were taken
launched by Rt. Honorable Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the Speaker of through; the Local Government budget cycle, how to analyze gender
the Parliament of Uganda. The launch was preceded by cleaning of issues in the agriculture sector, rights based approach to public service
Gulu town by FOWODE and 89.5 Speak FM and road drives around delivery in relation to the agriculture sector, budget concepts as well
Gulu town. as the Public Expenditure Tracking [PETS] tools for agriculture.
Moving gender equality to the forefront of Developing FOWODE’s new strategic Plan
local development interventions in Africa
Key stakeholders from across Africa convened in Sierra Leone in
September 2012 for a consultative meeting on the joint program
initiative of Gender Equitable Local Development (GELD). The meeting
held under the theme “Fostering Gender Equitable Local Development
in Eradicating Poverty in West Africa” was an opportunity to mobilize
action for women’s empowerment through continued investment in
gender equitable planning, and renewed institutional commitments to
raising the gender equality agenda in decentralization systems in West
Africa. In this meeting, Patricia Munabi the Executive Director for
Forum for Women in Democracy shared the organization’s experiences
and evidence that developing women’s skills increases both their
participation in decision-making processes and access to resources
which further enhances gender equality and social justice.
The key outcome of this meeting was a common agenda through which
participating governments and organizations can use the Gender FOWODE embarked on a process of developing a new strategic plan to
Equitable Local Development model to meet women’s priorities in local guide her actions for the next strategic period 2012/17
development planning.
Women’s Conference during the Farm Power Training of Women Councilors in Gender
Week Based Violence
FOWODE conducted trainings on Gender based violence in Lira, Nebbi,
Pallisa, Kween, Kitgum, Gulu, Masaka, and Mbarara districts in July and
August 2012. The training was empowering especially on the aspect of
gender based violence. Several women councilors shared that
engagement on this particular topic was indeed new to them as it opened
their eyes to the reality of the challenges within their communities.
The trainings triggered the councilors into action with the formation of
women caucuses and action plans. It is hoped that the trainings will yield
Hon. Sarah Kataike and Hon. Jacqueline Amongin during the Farm fruitful results with regard to the councilors’ ability to effectively
power Women’s Conference legislate in the councils and play a significant role in the control of
In partnership with other key stakeholders, FOWODE under the Food gender based violence.
Rights Alliance, as part of its efforts to amplify the voice of
smallholder farmers, organized a dialogue which provided a platform
for women farmers to share and learn together with the policy
makers on the challenges they face in food production. As a key
outcome from this engagement, a women farmers’ statement of
action was produced and presented to policy makers during the
National farmers Forum by a woman farmer.
FOWODE E-NEWSLETTER 7

8. Female MPs seek gender inclusion in district budgets
IN SUMMARY:
THE APPEAL: Women
legislators have
recommended an
increase in the budget
allocation by government
to finance gender
activities at the district
level as a way of checking
gender inequalities.
MP Rosemary Nyakikongoro (R) consults fellow legislators, NamukwayaBugembe (C) and Evelyn Kabule (L) recently. Women legislators
have asked government to allocate more resources to the districts to finance gender activities as a way of checking gender inequalities.
PHOTO BY GEOFFREY SSERUYANGE , Daily Monitor
Women legislators under their umbrella association, the “There is also need for capacity building for technical Ms. Grace Namara, the area MP, said government
Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA), and people because they must also be in a position to utilise must create a special budget line to finance gender
the Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE), have the little resources that they have to plan for gender activities to empower the women and improve on
appealed to government to allocate more resources to activities,” Ms. Nyakikongoro added. their house hold incomes.
districts to finance women activities as a way of checking
gender inequalities. Kyenjojo District Woman MP Flavia Rwabuhoro Kabahenda Lyantonde Town clerk Martin Ssentongo admitted
said there must be inclusiveness and effective that gender activities were not being prioritised due
The legislators, during a tour of Lyantonde District, participation of women in every development agenda. to the limited budget.
supported by FOWODE in August 2012, to ascertain how
gender mainstreaming activities are being financed at the FOWODE’s Program Officer for Gender Budgeting, Esther “We have to maintain roads and collect garbage so
district and municipality, noted that since the districts Nabwire said they are working hard to ensure that women, by the time we think about gender, the money is
cannot generate enough revenue, government should youth and children, who are the less privileged, get better over,” Mr. Ssentongo said.
allocate more resources to ensure that gender activities education and access health facilities.
are prioritised.
The outgoing RDC, Ms. Ida Bikorwenda, said
“Since most districts cannot raise enough locally The municipality leadership noted that whereas budgets women’s representation in leadership positions at
generated funds, government should send adequate have been drawn to cater for women, youth and children, the district has remained at a small percentage as
resources to fund activities for women, youth and there is limited funding to implement their activities. women were not being trained to be on an equal
children. The money being sent to districts is conditional footing with men.
and the Ministry of Gender budget is also limited,” said Ms “There is also need for capacity building for technical
Rosemary Nyakikongoro (Woman, Sheema), also UWOPA people because they must also be in a position to utilise “We are having a few women in leadership and
vice chairperson. the little resources that they have to plan for gender when it comes to budgeting, they do not have the
numbers to negotiate for a decent budget,” Ms.
activities,” Ms. Nyakikongoro added.
The legislators noted that due to inadequate funding, the Bikorwenda said.
districts do not prioritise funding women, youth and
children activities. mnalugo@ug.nationmedia.com
The Gender Concerns in the Petroleum Sector management bills cont…
Under Section 13 (2) when the Minister requests for the the licensee to comply without any further delay or else
drawings and specifications of the main physical and face the consequences provided in Bill No. 2.Health and The above notwithstanding no female employee should
technical features of the facility and a decommissioning Safety be discriminated or dismissed due to her pregnancy
plan these should include the health and safety features status by a licensee unless on the doctor’s
that respond to the needs of different categories of No pregnant women should be employed under Section recommendation to protect her life and that of the
employees – men and women as well as those 65 in operations of a license which endangers her health unborn child.
appropriate for persons with disabilities where and the health of the unborn baby. This should be a
applicable. standard employment requirement both under Bill No. 1 All other matters raised in relation to Bill No. 1 above
and Bill No. 2 and where she is exposed to any hazards are applicable to Bill No. 2 in as far as they are
Section 20 (3) should be made mandatory for the the company shall be liable to meet all her health care applicable to ensure that women’s empowerment and
Minister to inform the licensee when there is non- expenses. This condition should be clearly spelt out and gender equality commitments are fully realized through
compliance with or breach of the conditions of the female employees should have the responsibility to the petroleum activities undertaken in Uganda.
License particularly when it affects the health and inform the licensee immediately they confirm their
safely of the employees or a particular group of pregnancy status so that all necessary precautions are
employees and the public interests. The Minister should taken or redeployment is undertaken.
also have the power to impose conditions on FOWODE E-NEWSLETTER 8

9. Civil Society Position on the Public Finance Bill 2012
Public Finance Bill 2012
accounting bodies submit their budget estimates of
revenue and expenditure to the Ministry of Finance on
behalf of the President, during the budget
was tabled in Parliament and is currently before the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs preparation stage which is laid before Parliament by
committee. the minister. Parliament is not given a chance to
scrutinize and make recommendations for
amendments on issues of allocative and operational
efficiency. This could leave room for leakages,
wastage and abuse.
Although operations of autonomous institutions are
monitored by the Auditor General, it’s more of a post
mortem rather than a preventive approach. Different
institutions have handled their funds in different ways
which is irregular. For example Makerere University
until about 3-4 years ago spent the money collected
without approval of Parliament. This is in breach of
the Constitution which stipulates that all money
collected by any government institution should not go
to the consolidated fund except with the approval of
Parliament to channel through specified fund.
Stakeholder participation
The 1995 Constitution empowers citizens to
CSBAG Members attending a meeting to review the Finance Bill. The lead facilitator was from the International participate in policy processes, therefore, Civil
Budget Program. CSBAG has held a series of review meetings and consultations have on the Public Finance Bill 2012 Society Organisations (CSOs) have a right to
with ministry of Finance and the Parliamentary Budget Office. From these engagements a position paper has been participate in the development process including but
developed not limited to the budget processes. In light of these
In order to strengthen the public financial management The regulations should therefore require the minister to constitutional obligations for citizen participation; the
and regulating revenue management in the oil sector, indicate how the CFR shall be harmonized with the NDP Public Finance Bill 2012 should spell out specific
the Public Finance Bill 2012 was drafted and tabled in or vision 2040 if passed.The timeframe within which the roles, responsibilities and time/spaces for
Parliament. If enacted, the Bill 2012 will repeal the CFR is to be presented to Parliament as per Section 6 (5) participation by CSOs and other stakeholders in its
Public Finance and Accountability Act 2003 and the is unrealistic. implementation, review and overall management.
Budget Act 2001. While the proposed bill offers a great
benchmark for remarkable public financial management, While the CFR is approved by Parliament, the bill In as much as, CSOs welcome the proposal of the CFR
a number of concerns as highlighted below have arisen proposes deviations from the set objectives to be under Section 6(5) which states that the minister shall
that the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group deems approved by cabinet as per Section 7(1) and a report on within one month of the commencement of the first
critical. the deviations to be submitted to parliament later as per session of parliament, using the appropriate means
Section 7(3). Not only are these serious contradictions cause the Charter of Fiscal Responsibility as an
Addressing gender and equity issues but since the MPs are representatives of the people, it is innovation to hold government politically
Although it is the duty of Parliament to ensure that all only prudent that they approve the deviation from the accountable, the one month timeframe within which
government activities address gender inequality, there is set objectives that they themselves approved at the the CFR has to be presented for approval is very short
no mechanism or system and structure in Parliament to enactment of the CFR. notice for any substantial input to be acquired from
make government accountable to gender equality. For all categories of stakeholders. This period should be
Parliament to take its central role in promoting gender Supplementary budgeting increased to at least after four months of
equality we propose that before parliament debates the commencement of the first session of parliament with
annual budget, a certificate of gender equity should be The finance bill under article 21(4) states that a clearly stipulated schedules for stakeholder
produced by the Equal opportunities Commission (EOC) “supplementary expenditure shall be approved where participation in developing priorities of the charter.
as a recommendation to Parliament demonstrating how there is an unabsorbed, unavoidable and unforeseeable
adequately a particular MDA’s plans and budgets address expenditure for which no amount has been Section 8(5) indicates that Parliament shall review
gender equity issues. This will inform parliament on appropriated”. This is the first step in reducing the and approve the Budget Framework Paper by 1 st
whether or not an MDA’s Plans and Budget should be misuse of supplementary budgeting. However for the bill February of the financial year preceding the financial
debated by Parliament. toauthorize the Minister for Finance upon request by the year to which the Budget Framework paper further
accountant general to approve supplementary more Section 11: Annual Budget (1) states that The
Charter of Fiscal Responsibility (CFR) expenditures of up to 10% of the initial approved budget Minister shall, in consultation with other stakeholders,
of the votes without a prior approval of Parliament will prepare the annual budget of Government for a
The Charter of Fiscal Responsibility offers measurable lead to abuse of public resources. We therefore financial year. The bill does not stipulate spaces for
objectives against which the minister of finance and recommend that no supplementary budget should be engaging CSOs and other stakeholders in reviewing the
government can be held accountable. However, having released without parliament approval. If not, we Budget Framework Papers to provide feedback to
expended resources to enact the National Development proposal that the minister’s approval remains at 3.5% of each sector.
Plan which has not been effectively harmonized with the the initial approval budget.
Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), the CFR
which can be likened to the MTEF further threatens the Resource allocation
relevance of the NDP.
Resource allocation should prioritize sectors that boost
growth and development. Currently heads of self-
Weak Elements of the current Public Finance Management that the Public Key Reforms in the Public Finance Bill 2012
Finance Bill 2012 seeks to address:
Execution of Charter of fiscal responsibility by the Minister to
Credibility (Integrity and Predictability) of Budget Parliament.
Minimum linkages and significant overlaps in the PFM cycle from Ensure integrity and predictability of the budget by guaranteeing
Planning, budgeting, execution, accountability to oversight resources to AOs as Appropriated.
Non- Alignment of the Budget to the NDP Establish Criteria for Supplementary budgets
Non-Operational Contingencies Fund – Article 157
Operationalise the Contingencies Fund
Absence of legal framework for Petroleum Revenue Management
Fragmentation of PFM legislation administered by the Minister and
Ensure seamless linkages/no overlaps in the PFM cycle
FOWODE E-NEWSLETTER 9
Parliament.

10. VISIT THE FOWODE RESOURCE CENTER
The FOWODE resource center is a ONE STOP CENTER, where you can access information on Gender, Governance, Democracy, and Human rights. You can
also access internet, photocopying and printing services while there. Please visit the FOWODE website, www.fowode.org or the FOWODE resource center
at our offices in Ntinda to access the publications below and many more.
NEW PUBLICATIONS
Where is the money for family planning services
in Uganda
is an issue brief containing key findings of a Public
Expenditure Tracking Survey (PETS) conducted by
FOWODE to establish funds allocated to Family
Planning (FP) services right from Uganda’s Ministry
of Finance Planning and Economic Development
(MFPED) through the Ministry of Health (MoH),
National Medical Stores (NMS) and Health Centers
(HCs) III and IV where family planning services are
accessed by women at the grassroots communities.
It also contains key recommendations to
government for improving the identified leakages
The Poor & the Budget is a Civil Society Budget
Advocacy Group (CSBAG) position paper based on an
assessment of the National Budget Framework
Paper for FY 2012/13-FY2016/17.
It contains civil society recommendations and
proposals to ensure that views of the marginalized
are incorporated in the National budget for FY
2012/13”
The FOWODE library has an online public access catalogue (OPAC) which is
powered by web 2.0 technology. To view our e-library visit the following link:
http://www.librarything.com/catalog/fowoderesourcecentre