KAMPALA, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) — Uganda is set to review its progress in protecting workers, communities and consumers from business-related human rights abuses as government, private sector players and civil society organisations prepare to meet for the Seventh National Forum on Business and Human Rights next week.
The three-day forum, scheduled for October 26–28 in Kampala, comes as the country approaches the end of its 2021–2026 National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, raising questions about implementation gaps and the measures needed to strengthen corporate accountability.
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development said the meeting would assess progress made under the plan and generate recommendations to guide the next phase of Uganda’s efforts to ensure that economic growth goes hand in hand with respect for human rights.
“Reflecting on Progress and Strengthening Commitment: The Journey of Uganda’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights” is the theme of the forum, which is expected to bring together government institutions, businesses, workers, civil society groups, communities and development partners.
The ministry says business remains a key driver of investment, employment and improved livelihoods, but argues that economic growth should also be measured by how well it protects workers’ dignity, community interests and the rights of people affected by commercial activities.
Uganda adopted its National Action Plan in 2021 after recommendations made by Kenya and Norway during the country’s second Universal Periodic Review in 2016.
The framework was designed to coordinate government and private sector efforts to prevent abuses and improve access to remedies when violations occur.
However, emerging challenges across sectors, including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, extractive industries and the digital economy, have increased the need for stronger safeguards and effective enforcement.
The forum will examine concerns ranging from child labour, unsafe working conditions and the treatment of migrant workers to land disputes, environmental degradation and the rights of communities affected by mining and other natural resource projects.
Participants are also expected to discuss corporate accountability and whether Uganda’s legal and institutional systems are adequately equipped to ensure that people harmed by business activities can obtain effective remedies.
Technology is expected to feature prominently in the discussions, particularly as businesses increasingly rely on digital systems and artificial intelligence.
Data privacy, digital inclusion and the protection of personal information are becoming important human rights considerations as the economy becomes more technology-driven.
Environmental protection and climate justice will also be central to the deliberations, with the ministry emphasising the need for businesses to account for the effects of their operations on communities, ecosystems and livelihoods.
The discussions will take place against a changing international business environment, including emerging African Union initiatives on business and human rights and the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which is shaping expectations around responsible business conduct.
The ministry is working with Enabel, the Belgian development cooperation agency, through an initiative known as “Advancing Respect for Human Rights by Businesses in Uganda”, with support from the European Union.
The programme promotes awareness, institutional capacity-building, improved business practices and engagement between civil society and the private sector.
The forum is expected to produce a report assessing progress on business and human rights commitments, recommendations for the next National Action Plan and proposals to address emerging concerns.
Commissioner for Equity and Rights in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development said the meeting should go beyond discussion to identify practical measures that strengthen accountability and improve engagement between businesses and affected communities.
The ministry has urged companies to integrate human rights considerations into their core operations, while calling on government institutions to fulfil their responsibility to protect citizens and ensure that workers and communities understand and can exercise their rights.
As Uganda reviews the implementation of its five-year plan, the key test will be whether commitments made in Kampala translate into stronger protections for workers, fairer treatment of communities and greater accountability for businesses whose activities cause harm.
