The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, despite facing budgetary constraints, continues to offer training and professional development opportunities for social workers.

Minister Emma Kantema stated that, despite these efforts, the ministry has limited control over the retention of social workers, as they are in high demand.

The minister was responding to IPC MP Lucia Mbuti, who raised concerns regarding the severe shortage of skilled personnel and frequent delays in policy implementation.

Dr Kantema said that competition for a limited pool of qualified and registered professionals makes it difficult for the ministry to retain social workers.

"The latest staffing numbers per region are included in the shared response, which indicates that the ministry currently has 807 regional positions established, encompassing social workers, community licence officers, administrative officers, and support staff. Of these positions, 477 are currently filled. Additionally, I would like to highlight that we have successfully appointed 23 social workers in this financial year," stated Kantema.