KAMPALA – Uganda’s ethnic minority groups have long faced challenges in accessing basic services such as education and healthcare. To address these disparities, the African International Christian Ministry (AICM) has been implementing a three-year project, “Realizing Rights for All,” funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland. On Tuesday, AICM hosted an advocacy meeting at Ministers Village Hotel, bringing together stakeholders from government, civil society, and minority indigenous people’s organizations to discuss progress and chart a way forward.
Mucunguzi Denis, the Executive Director of AICM, explained the numerous challenges faced by minority indigenous people (MIPs) in Uganda. Despite their significant contributions to the country’s rich cultural heritage, MIPs continue to lag behind in livelihoods, education, and health.
“The high school dropout rates among MIPs are alarming, and it’s heartbreaking to see them miss out on vital opportunities due to the competitive nature of the current system.”
Mucunguzi called on the government to implement affirmative action policies, ensuring MIPs benefit from its programs.
“We believe that affirmative action is crucial in addressing the historical injustices and disparities faced by MIPs. By implementing these policies, the government can help level the playing field and provide MIPs with equal access to opportunities.”
Ms. Elizabeth Kebirungi, an Environment and Natural Resource Planner at the National Planning Authority, presented a study on minority indigenous people (MIPs) in Uganda. She highlighted the challenges faced by these communities, including limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
“We found that many MIPs are not listed on the UBOS list and are not recognized by the government,” Kebirungi said.
She says there is a need for the inclusion of MIPs in the National Identity Card and the recognition of their ethnic groups. This, according to her will enable them to access essential services and participate fully in the development process.
“Furthermore, we recommend improving accessibility to health facilities, education, and traditional practices. We believe that empowering MIPs to practice their traditional medicine and promoting their cultural heritage can increase their household income and contribute to sustainable development.”
Kebirungi revealed that their study found that MIPs have unique traditional practices that can contribute to sustainable development. For example, they have traditional medicine that can be used to treat various diseases. However, these practices are often marginalized and excluded from mainstream development initiatives.
“We urge the government to recognize and promote these traditional practices, and to provide support for MIPs to develop their cultural heritage.”
“This can include providing funding for cultural events, traditional medicine, and other initiatives that promote MIPs’ cultural heritage. Our vision is inclusivity, with a whole-of-society approach that leaves no one behind.”
Mucunguzi appreciated the government’s recent efforts to count MIPs in the Population and Housing Census, recognizing their ethnic identities. However, he urged the government to fully integrate MIPs into all systems, including NERA, UBOS, and national ID registration, respecting their tribal identities and preventing forced assimilation.
At AICM, we believe that every individual, regardless of their ethnic background, deserves equal opportunities and access to essential services.
Kebirungi equally urged the government to update the total number of MIPs in Uganda, as the current data is outdated. “This will enable us to plan effectively and address the specific needs of these communities. In conclusion, our study highlights the need for greater inclusion and recognition of minority indigenous people in Uganda’s development process.”
The ethnic minorities represented at the meeting included the Batwa, Mosopisyek, Tepeth, Maragoli, Banyabindi, IK, and Ngokutio communities, among others. These communities face unique challenges, including limited access to education and healthcare, and exclusion from decision-making processes.
One of the representatives from the Batwa community shared her experience of being marginalized and excluded from accessing basic services. “We are often denied access to education and healthcare because we are not recognized as a distinct ethnic group,” she said.
The meeting was a significant step towards promoting the rights of minority indigenous people in Uganda. It highlighted the need for greater inclusion and recognition of these communities, and emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of exclusion and discrimination.
