“On accepting to be the Patron of the Uganda Parliamentary, ofcourse it would be running away from responsibility to say that I dont want to associate with old people (vulnerable). I wish I could do more.” Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
Tayebwa was responding to a request by the Forum to take over as the Patron at a meeting with Board members and Social Protection champions held on 15th February 2024 in his boardroam at Parliament. The Forum has over the years enjoyed a progressive relationship with the leadership of Parliament having had the former Speaker and current Minister in-charge of East African Affairs, Rt Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga as the patron in the 9th and 10th Parliament.
A social protection champion who was one of the strong voices that pushed for the national roll-out of the Senior Citizens Grant in the 10th Parliament, Tayebwa has particulary keen interest in ensuring that older persons are protected in their communities. He argued then that having the programme running in select districts was unfair as levels of vulnerability among older persons were spread across the country.
Much as government has a responsibility to support and care for the vulnerable, Tayebwa argues that the primary call lies with the communities where these people live. These are closer and more familiar with their real life needs.
Before we go to the government side, I want us to first reconstruct the first line of defence of protection which is the community. We should instead as a Forum launching a campaign to make communities aware that as you throw away food there is an older person going hungry. We must mobilise the community to play their role in protecting older persons.
Tayebwa
He argued that there is need to critically review the National Budget and realistically determine how much can go towards social protection financing. This will help to inform the Forum’s advocacy effrots going forward.
Of utmost importance, the Deputy Speaker highlighted the need to fastrack the social registry and closely working with local leadership to identify the vulnerable especially the older persons with errors on their national IDs.
The Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Social Protection (UPFSP) constitutes a pivotal forum within the parliamentary framework, conceived with the overarching objective of advancing the realization of Uganda’s national imperatives pertaining to the establishment of a robust and enduring social protection system. Commencing its operations in 2012, the forum was formally inaugurated in February 2014, thereby solidifying its institutional presence and mandate. Functioning as a platform for social protection advocacy within the parliamentary domain, UPFSP convenes an assemblage of both incumbent and former Members of Parliament, aggregating a current membership base of 200 individuals drawn from diverse political affiliations. This collective representation underscores the forum’s commitment to transcending partisan divisions in the pursuit of holistic social protection initiatives.
UPFSP has since adopted a wider social protection advocacy agenda based on the lifecycle. The advocacy priorities securing social protection financing in the budget, expanding social protection to the most vulnerable population groups such as children, persons with disabilities, informal sector workers and older persons. The strategic vision embodies existing and emerging vulnerabilities.
Members of Parliament Speak Out on the new UPFSP Patron.
Flavia Kabahenda Rwabuhoro(MP)- Chairperson UPFSP
The Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa has always expressed deep passion for vulnerable persons, reducing discrimination and inequalities in the country. He is a champion of social protection systems in Uganda.
Hon. Opolot Jacob- Advocacy Advisor, UPFSP
Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa is a very good and appropriate choice for Patron of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Social Protection. This is on several grounds. First, his position (as one of the presiding officers) in parliament as far as legislation and appropriation on social protection is concerned. Second is his eloquence, charisma and passion about social protection in general and lastly, is his background. Having said to have been raised by a grandmother, he has a lot of attachment to and value for older persons and the vulnerable. Therefore, there would be no better person for that position than him.
Joel Sebikaali(MP), Ntwetwe County, Kyankwanzi district
The Deputy Speaker is passionate about Social Protection. He appreciate social protection from a lifecycle approach which looks at covering not just one population group such as the elderly but an individual right from conception. This kind of approach is the best way to fight vulnerability amongst all citizens. We couldn’t have got a better Patron for the Forum than the Deputy Speaker, someone who knows the true meaning of vulnerability.
Maneno Zumura(WMP)- Obongi District
Deputy speaker is someone one can depend on; he loves older people and I think he can make our Forum to move a long way. Personally, I think this was the right thing to do, if we are pushing for social protection financing, lowering of the age, and all these matters around Social Protection, it would be swift because we have one of the top leaderships of parliament supporting such initiations.
Aogon Silas (MP)- Board Member, MP, Kumi Municipality
Having the Rt.Hon. Deputy Speaker as a Patron of the UPFSP is a God given gift. He keeps his word and is indeed passionate about social protection. We are positive that progressive social protection legislation and appropriate financing will be achieved under his guidance.
Ndeezi Alex (MP), Founding Chairperson, Representative of PWDs (Central Region)
A very good choice. He is very passionate about the empowerment of vulnerable persons, very result oriented and keeps his promises. I am very positive he will do a wonderful job guiding us as champion of champions.