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In Summary
Ms Karooro says there is need to put programmes that could assist people still locked in poverty.
Kampala- The minister of Gender Ms Mary Karooro Okurut, has said the lack of social protection systems has left many poor people vulnerable and unable to access basic needs.
According to Ms Okurut, an estimated 7.5 million people live below the poverty line with limited or no access to food, shelter and health care.
Thus, she said such families are unable to feed their children and cannot afford basic amenities, including clothing and school fees.
While speaking in Kampala over the weekend, Mr Okurut said although Uganda’s poverty levels had reduced a section of the population was still locked in poverty.
“The rates of poverty have come down and there is a very tangible social economic progress but at the same time, there is a section of the population mainly the elderly, the disabled and orphans who are not benefiting,” Ms Okurut said.
She said under the Expanding Social Protection Programme the government had paid at least Shs21 billion to elderly people since its launch in 2011.
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