KAMPALA – Monday, the African International Christian Ministry (AICM) partnered with Minority Rights Group (MRG) to host an advocacy meeting at Sir Jose Hotel Ggaba. This meeting focused on their ongoing three-year project, “Realizing Rights for All,” which is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland. The project aims to mobilize and strengthen existing networks of Minority and Indigenous People Organizations in Uganda.
The ultimate goal is to address the root causes of exclusion and discrimination faced by minority and indigenous peoples. By doing so, they hope to bring about tangible change in fiscal policies related to education and healthcare access.
Mucunguzi Denis, Executive Director of African International Christian Ministry explained that their Finland-funded project empowers ethnic minorities, including the Batwa, Mosopisyek, Tepeth, Maragoli, Banyabindi, IK, and Ngokutio communities, among others to realize their rights. He explained that the advocacy meeting focused on implementing the 2012 UPR recommendation to build schools closer to indigenous minorities, reducing barriers to education.
“Unfortunately, ethnic minorities still face significant gaps in health and education access. Many travel over 5 kilometers to access services, leading to high dropout rates. Our 2020 study revealed that 50.8% of minority indigenous communities don’t complete primary seven.”
Among other factors, this is due:
- Lack of Access to Education: Insufficient schools in remote areas
- Limited Resources: Inadequate scholastic materials
- Language Barriers: Teaching in foreign languages
Mucunguzi commended the government’s efforts to extend services, including building seed schools and providing local government jobs for indigenous group members. However, he says more needs to be done.
“We urge the government to involve minority groups in budget processes, particularly at the local level, to address these persistent challenges.”
Ndooli David, Coordinator of the Maragoli Community Association in Kiryandongo applauded the government’s recent recognition of their tribe in the population census, where they were listed with code 556 as Maragoli Ugandans.
However, they are still awaiting constitutional recognition, which they petitioned for along with six other minority communities to the President, Speaker, and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
“I personally face difficulties traveling abroad due to our tribe’s lack of constitutional recognition, which denies me a passport.”
Ndooli expressed thay education remains a significant challenge for their community due to negative attitudes. “Many of our people drop out before completing primary level. In Kiryandongo, we have only three primary school headteachers, with two already retired. This scarcity of professionally qualified Maragoli individuals is alarming.”
“I urge all stakeholders to sensitize our community to prioritize education, ensuring our children can access better opportunities.”
Adupa Stephany Namer, the LCV Woman Councillor for Tapac Sub County, Moroto District, sounded the alarm on the dire health situation in Tepeth.
“Our community faces severe shortages in health services, forcing people to walk extremely long distances to access basic care. Some parishes lack Health Center IIs, and even when available, these centers are often out of essential supplies.”
She added that expectant mothers suffer the most, as there are no midwives at these health centers, compelling them to undertake arduous journeys.
“This is unacceptable, especially considering our community’s vulnerability. We reside in the Moroto forest reserve, recently discovered to hold valuable mineral resources. Our people fear displacement without fair compensation, exacerbating their anxiety.”
She called improved health infrastructure, trained healthcare professionals, and community protection.
Onesmus Kansiime, Senior Officer at the National SDG Secretariat, shed light on the entrenched obstacles confronting Uganda’s minority ethnic groups.
These challenges encompass limited participation in governance, economic exclusion, cultural marginalization, and social discrimination, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage.
Approximately 28 Indigenous Minority Groups (IMGs) reside in Uganda, facing systemic marginalization and exclusion. This results in evictions from ancestral lands, landlessness, exclusion from government programs, and restricted access to essential services like healthcare and education.
The infringement on the right to free, prior, and informed consent is a significant concern. Laws such as the Land Act (1998), Uganda Wildlife Act (1996), and National Forestry and Trees Planting Act (2003) contravene international standards, perpetuating the loss of cultural heritage, identity erasure, disregard for dignity, and displacement.
In the health sector, biases and neglect hinder access to healthcare for vulnerable groups, including ethnic minorities and older persons. Age-related health issues are often misconstrued as natural, overlooking potential interventions. This exacerbates health disparities and undermines overall well-being.
To address these gaps, Kansiime noted that the Ministry of Health should prioritize scaling up targeted interventions, expanding health insurance coverage, and strengthening health research and innovation. “This will ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services.”
In the education sector, despite its transformative potential, ethnic minority groups encounter numerous barriers. These include distance to education facilities, prohibitive costs, teacher shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and harmful cultural practices like female genital mutilation.
To bridge the gap, he recommended:
- Free or subsidized education to alleviate financial burdens
- Scholarships to promote equal opportunities
- Gender-sensitive policies to address specific needs
- Cultural inclusivity to value diversity
- Revisiting privatization policies to ensure equitable access
Kansiime stressed out that discrimination and exorbitant costs restrict access to clean water for marginalized communities, perpetuating inequality.
“The government has initiated steps to address these challenges, including mobilizing additional health financing, increasing access to safe medicines, strengthening private sector partnerships, and expanding health insurance coverage.”
By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, Uganda can move towards greater inclusivity and social equity for its minority ethnic groups. This requires sustained commitment, collaborative efforts, and targeted interventions to ensure equal opportunities and dignity for all.
The government’s efforts to promote education, healthcare, and economic empowerment will be crucial in overcoming the historical injustices faced by minority ethnic groups. By working together, Uganda can foster a more inclusive society.
