Economic Justice

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Overview

MAHIPSO’s Economic Justice Program Domain focuses on promoting economic justice for Structurally Excluded Persons (SEPs) who face high levels of unemployment and economic hardship due to stigma and discrimination. The program aims to build financially independent and empowered SEP communities by increasing their access to livelihood opportunities, financial inclusion, and national economic programs.

Key strategies include engaging economic actors, forming strategic partnerships, offering business grants, organizing economic expos, and developing an inclusive economic development strategy. These efforts aim to ensure SEPs can actively participate in government and private sector economic programs, contributing to Uganda’s Vision 2040, National Development Plans, and global commitments like the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Economic Empowerment and Livelihoods Programming

This program is designed to provide Structurally Excluded Persons with the tools, knowledge, and support to create and sustain income-generating activities. It includes:

  • Vocational Skills Training: Tailored trainings in trades like tailoring, hairdressing, crafts, baking, ICT, and agribusiness.

  • Entrepreneurship Development: Coaching SEPs on how to start and grow their businesses, business planning, and market linkages.

  • Access to Productive Assets: Provision of start-up kits or equipment for trained individuals or groups to help them launch their businesses.

  • Income-Generating Projects (IGPs): Supporting group-based or individual projects with technical mentorship and follow-up.

2. Business Grants for SEP Entrepreneurs

This program focuses on financially supporting existing or aspiring SEP business owners through:

  • Small Business Start-up Grants: Targeting individuals who have completed training or have viable business ideas.

  • Expansion Grants: For existing SEP-led businesses to scale operations or diversify products/services.

  • Grant Management Training: Recipients receive guidance on financial management, bookkeeping, and reporting to ensure sustainability.

3. Strategic Partnerships and Networking

This program creates a network of supportive actors committed to economic justice for SEPs:

  • Collaboration with National Programs: Such as the Youth Livelihood Program (YLP), UWEP, PDM, OWC, etc.

  • Private Sector Inclusion: Engaging business leaders and companies to offer employment, internships, or mentorship to SEPs.

  • Resource Mobilization: Building partnerships that unlock funding, training, and technical support for SEP enterprises.

4. High-Level Engagements with Economic Development Actors

To influence inclusive economic policies and decisions, this program involves:

  • Stakeholder Engagements: Hosting meetings with district planners, government ministries, and private sector actors.

  • Policy Dialogue Forums: Pushing for SEP representation in planning and policy-making spaces.

  • Technical Working Groups: MAHIPSO joins existing economic development working groups to voice SEP concerns.