Title: Equality Versus Equity in Ugandan Policy: A Critical Analysis of Conceptual Approaches and Development Outcomes
Authors: Dr. Ariyo Gracious Kazaara, Asiimwe Isaac Kazaara
Volume: 9
Issue: 10
Pages: 211-218
Publication Date: 2025/10/28
Abstract:
Background: Uganda has implemented numerous development policies aimed at reducing socioeconomic disparities since independence, yet significant inequa: ities persist across regions, gender, and demographic groups. Objective: The main objective was to critically analyze the conceptualization and application of equality versus equity approaches in Ugandan policy frameworks and evaluate their impact on development outcomes across different socioeconomic groups and geographic regions. Methods: A mixed-methods convergent parallel design was conducted between January and August 2024 across four Ugandan regions. Multistage stratified random sampling selected 576 households calculated to provide 80% statistical power to detect medium effect sizes, with proportional distribution across Central (n=192), Eastern (n=144), Northern (n=168), and Western (n=72) regions. Results: Multiple linear regression (Rē=0.542, p<0.001) revealed that equity-based policy type independently predicted higher economic empowerment (?=0.892, p<0.001) after controlling for region, education, income, and other confounders, with Northern region residents scoring 1.523 points lower than Central region residents (?=-0.321, p<0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that achieving inclusive development required a paradigm shift from predominantly equality-based policies toward genuinely equity-oriented frameworks with enhanced targeting accuracy, robust implementation quality, and integrated approaches specifically addressing conflict-affected regions. Recommendations: The government should comprehensively redesign development policies with explicit equity-based resource allocation formulas incorporating regional disadvantage coefficients; strengthen targeting mechanisms and implementation quality through robust beneficiary identification systems, adequate budgetary allocations,