This article examines issues concerning social protection in the context of the socioeconomic development of Uganda. The author emphasises the critical importance of social protection in a situation where the previous support provided by the extended family and kinship systems has broken down. The erosion of traditional forms of social protection has been exacerbated by political turmoil, violence and HIV/AIDS, which have created serious insecurity in the country. Although there is great need for moderm social security schemes to protect the population, in reality only the formal sector is protected through the Provident Fund, which also has its own weaknesses. The author proposes the development of innovative development policies and programmes and a strengthening of traditional forms of social support systems, along with a more comprehensive social insurance scheme.
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