1. INTRODUCTION

1. The Government of Uganda demonstrated strong commitment to inclusive development by integrating the Certificate of Gender Equity (CGE) into national planning and financial management processes. This commitment was reinforced through key legislative frameworks such as the Equal Opportunities Commission Act, 2007, and the Public Finance Management Act, 2015 (PFMA). These legal instruments mandate gender and equity compliance in budget formulation, execution and reporting requiring government entities to ensure equitable resource allocation to address socio-economic disparities/ Gender and Equity Issues.

2. It is now a decade since the Government of Uganda enacted the Public Finance Management Act, which requires all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and Local Governments (LGs) to plan and budget for gender and equity responsive in their annual budgets. Specially, Section 9 (6) (a) and (b); Section 13 (11) e (i) and (ii); and c) Section 13 (15) g (i) and (ii) of the PFMA, 2015 as amended, make provisions for gender and equity responsive budgeting mandatory for all MDAs and LGs. The PFMA, 2015 mandates the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, in consultation with the Equal Opportunities Commission, to issue a Gender and Equity Certificate confirming that the annual budget is gender and equity responsive before the Budget Estimates are approved by Parliament.

3. The Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG) together with its partners have been instrumental in advancing for gender-responsive budgeting in Uganda on the backdrop of massive exclusion and gender-based violations which impeded and still constrain social and economic progress in the economy. Through advocacy, research, and policy engagement, CSBAG has actively promoted equitable resource allocation, monitored government compliance, and strengthened stakeholder capacities. Its efforts have significantly contributed to promotion of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in Uganda’s budgeting process. Whereas the ideal situation is complete compliance to GEPB requirements across all government programmes, variations in performance at programme level and the subsequent failure by government to achieve at least 80% compliance consistently provides basis for a reflection of the current practices and their convergence with the expected outcomes. Despite notable achievements, including enhanced transparency and accountability in resource allocation, persistent challenges remain in fully realizing the intended impact of GEPB on marginalized groups. This study will generate evidence-based insights to inform policy recommendations and enhance the effectiveness of gender and equity budgeting in Uganda. By identifying successes and gaps, the assessment will provide strategic guidance to strengthen GEB implementation for more inclusive and sustainable development. This assessment seeks to evaluate the impact of Uganda’s GEPB initiatives since 2015, analysing achievements, its impact, challenges, and areas for enhancement.

• Statement of work

4. The Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG) has been instrumental in actively promoting the certificate of gender and equity compliance, advocating for gender and equitable resource allocation, monitoring government compliance, and strengthening technical capacities of stakeholder in gender and equity budget analysis and advocacy.

5. CSBAG aims to assess the impact of the Certificate of Gender and Equity (CGE) a decade after the enactment of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) in 2015. This evaluation will examine the influence of Uganda’s CGE initiative on resource allocation, gender outcomes, and practices within government agencies. It will also seek to identify the enablers and barriers to effective gender and equity budgeting in Uganda. GEPB initiatives since 2015, analysing achievements, its impact, challenges, and areas for enhancement. This study will generate evidence-based insights to inform policy recommendations and provide strategic guidance to strengthen GEB implementation for more inclusive and sustainable development.

• Specific Terms of Reference for the Assignment

The specific terms of reference for this assessment are.

1. Assess the effect of CGE on gender equality outcomes across various sectors.
2. Document specific examples where the CGE initiative has influenced budgeting decisions as well as practices by MDAs
3. Examine factors that support effective implementation the CGE in Uganda and challenges hindering the initiative’s success.
4. Propose actionable recommendations for improving Gender and Equity Budgeting (GEB) practices.
5. Outputs timeframe

It’s estimated that this assignment should be completed within 15 working days and not later than 30^th May 2025. The consultant will produce the following outputs by the stated deadline:

• An inception report
• Draft report on an assessment of Uganda’s CGE initiatives since 2015, analysing achievements, its impact, challenges, and areas for enhancement.
• Detailed final report on an assessment of Uganda’s CGE initiatives since 2015, analysing achievements, its impact, challenges, and areas for enhancement.
• Scope of the Assignment

The assignment will be guided in scope by the following.

• The study period for the CGE is 10 years i.e. 2015 to 2025.
• Coverage of at least 10 votes at national level (This will be agreed upon between the consultant and CSBAG).
• Coverage of at least 10 districts (This will be agreed upon between the consultant and CSBAG).
• The tentative duration of the assignment is 3 to 5 months, depending on the availability of resources and stakeholder engagement.

6. Profile of the Consultant

The consultant should have the following competencies

• Excellent knowledge of Gender and PFM laws, policies, practices, and principles in Uganda
• Demonstrable understanding of the political economy and Gender dynamics in Uganda.
• Excellent knowledge of the accountability sector and policies in Uganda.
• Practical knowledge and experience with CSO programming and advocacy approaches
• Proven experience in public policy analysis.
• An advanced degree in Gender Studies, Economics or any public finance fields.
• Supervision and support 

The consultant will be reporting to the Executive Director, directly on this assignment but will have close working relationship with the Economists.

• Submission of proposals for the tasks

CSBAG is inviting Proposals for implementation of all outputs and activities as specified in this Terms of Reference. Interested consultants/firms are requested to submit Technical and financial proposals:

1.       Only financial proposals quoted in UGX are permitted

2.       The technical proposal in not more than 5 pages should contain.

1. Description of the understanding of the tasks, including comments on the TORs
2. A brief critique or advice on, what the TOR ought to have included or considered, from your understanding of the task.
3. A description of the methodology to be followed, to achieve the desired objectives.
4. Work plan and Time scheduling of information gathering and other activities; and
5. CVs of the consultants/firms 
6. Application Process.

Interested candidates should submit their application letter, updated CVs, technical and financial proposals and references for similar work conducted previously, addressed to the Executive Director: Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG), email: procurement@csbag.org P.O. Box 660, Ntinda Kampala, Uganda, Plot 11 Vubyabirenge Close Ntinda-stretcher road by 5:00pm on 05^th May 2025.