Minister Betty Amongi Urges World Leaders To Accelerate Efforts To Wipe Out Hunger

Uganda’s minister of Gender, labour, and social development has urged world leaders to urgently accelerate efforts to end hunger and poverty worldwide.

Ms Betty Amongi Ongom further said there is a need for “global solidarity and responsibility sharing with the developing countries”, being supported through fairer trade terms, a reformed financial architecture and investments that can accelerate the social and economic transformation of these countries.

She made the remarks during the 112th session of the International Labour Conference in Switzerland, Geneva, on June 10, 2024.bThis conference is being held against the backdrop of global political polarization, geopolitical instability, and extreme environmental impacts; challenges that place the greatest burden and risks on women and workers.

The conference also comes at the time when there are concerns over rising levels of global hunger, putting the goal of ending malnutrition in all its forms by 2030 in serious jeopardy.

“It is essential that we enhance the North-South, South-South, and triangular cooperation to support national endeavours aimed at eradicating poverty and hunger, as well as fulfilling the pledges outlined in the Philadelphia Declaration,” Ms Amongi said.

The Philadelphia Declaration concerning the aims and purposes of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) was adopted at the 26th session of the ILO, Philadelphia, 10 May 1944.

The minister informed other world leaders that Uganda is committed to advancing the social contract “because we believe that it is our duty and responsibility to ensure that our citizens access basic services, employment, and social protection.”

“To this end, my government has put in place socio-economic programmes to address these issues,” she added.

She highlighted such programmes as free universal primary and secondary education (UPE and USE) in government schools and wealth creation – aimed at providing affordable capital for businesses owned by women, youth, and farmers.

“Our current programme, Generating Growth Opportunities and Production for Women Enterprises – GROW – supports women entrepreneurs with a grant of USD 217 million. The programme targets business development services and access to affordable capital at 10% interest rates per annum to expand their businesses,” Ms Amongi said.

In implementing these programmes, she said Kampala administration prioritizes partnerships with its social partners, and the Constitution protects fundamental human rights, including equal opportunities, economic and social rights, and affirmative action for all vulnerable groups.

This includes workers electing Members of parliament to represent their interests as a special interest group in Parliament.

“I reaffirm my government’s commitment to a renewed social contract and reassure the Director-General of my government’s cooperation and support,” she said.