KAMPALA – Rukiga County Member of Parliament Hon. Patrick Kiconco Katabaazi has called for stronger social protection systems capable of responding to climate-related shocks and protecting vulnerable communities, as he joined stakeholders at the Annual National Social Protection Dialogue held at Serena Hotel in Kampala.
Katabaazi, who also serves as Chairman of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Social Protection, said he was privileged to address social protection advocates, experts and policymakers during the national engagement, which brought together stakeholders to discuss ways of strengthening support systems for vulnerable Ugandans.
The legislator also joined the Chief Guest, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Lt. Gen. Tumukunde, and the Minister of State for Elderly Affairs, Hon. Jacqueline Mbabazi, in launching the Climate Sensitive Shock Responsive Social Protection Report.
The report comes at a time when climate-related shocks are increasingly threatening livelihoods, particularly among communities that depend on agriculture and other climate-sensitive economic activities. Such disruptions can deepen poverty and expose already vulnerable households to greater economic difficulties.
In his address, Katabaazi emphasised the importance of building social protection systems that can respond quickly to emerging challenges and reach people most at risk, including smallholder farmers, older persons and workers in the informal sector.
He observed that climate-related challenges require responsive interventions capable of protecting livelihoods and ensuring that vulnerable citizens are not left without support whenever unexpected shocks affect their economic activities.
As Chairman of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Social Protection, Katabaazi reaffirmed his commitment to promoting a social protection system that leaves no Ugandan behind, highlighting the importance of inclusive policies and coordinated efforts among government institutions, policymakers and development partners.
He also appreciated the organisers and partners for bringing together different stakeholders for a dialogue intended to move discussions beyond words and towards practical action that can improve the welfare of vulnerable communities across the country.
The engagement marks another platform for strengthening national discussions on social protection, with attention now turning to translating the recommendations of the Climate Sensitive Shock Responsive Social Protection Report into practical interventions that can protect livelihoods, strengthen resilience and improve the well-being of Ugandans.
