KAMPALA, Uganda — The evolving landscape of work, driven by the digital economy, and the crucial need for robust employee safeguards were key discussion points Wednesday as labour experts, government officials, and industry leaders convened for the opening of Uganda’s 3rd Annual National Labour Convention and Expo. The two-day event, themed “Strengthening Compliance to Employment Law: A prerequisite for decent jobs, economic empowerment and inclusive growth,” is taking place at the Mestil Hotel.
Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Betty Amongi set the tone by emphasizing the urgent need to adapt Uganda’s employment laws to the realities of the modern workforce, where online platforms are playing an increasingly significant role. “We need to look at employment broadly. The online employment is now generating a lot of money, and I looked at most of the youth are really online employment,” she stated, highlighting the challenges of applying traditional labor protections to this new paradigm.
Ensuring the well-being of workers through adequate compensation for workplace injuries also featured prominently in Minister Amongi’s address. She voiced concerns about the persistent issues of inadequate or denied compensation and called for stronger enforcement of existing laws. “We need greater engagement with employers… on the issue of compensation for people who get injured at work,” she urged.
Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Isanga Nakadama, who officially opened the convention on behalf of the prime minister, underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a fair and productive labor environment that prioritizes the rights and safety of employees while facilitating economic growth.
Dr. Aggrey David Kibenge, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, highlighted the importance of digitizing labor administration to keep pace with global trends and improve efficiency. He stated that the convention aims to foster a deeper understanding of labor laws and identify practical solutions for better compliance.
The future of work and employee safeguards were further explored by Mr. Charles Mudiwa, Managing Director of DFCU Bank, in his keynote address on preparing Uganda’s workforce for decent work. Dr. Phiona Mpanga of Makerere University School of Law’s Business Law Clinic also presented on the crucial link between employment law compliance and inclusive economic development.
A central panel discussion of the day focused directly on “Navigating the Future of Work in Uganda: Ensuring Fair Employment Practices and Legal Compliance in a Technology Driven Workplace.” Experts including Mr. Moses Ssegawa of S&L Advocates, Ms. Melissa Kyeyune of ILO PROSPECTS Uganda, Mr. Emmanuel Yeka of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Mr. Christian Wamambe of SafeBoda, and Mr. Andrew Kabeera of Post Bank Uganda Limited, delved into the complexities of regulating the gig economy and ensuring fair treatment for workers in increasingly technology-driven roles.
Mr. Douglas Opio, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE), provided the employers’ perspective on navigating the evolving labor landscape while emphasizing the growing recognition of labor issues in national development plans.
Mr. Alex Asiimwe, Commissioner for Labour, Industrial Relations and Productivity, offered insights into the current labor situation and announced upcoming initiatives aimed at improving employment services.
An expo running alongside the convention showcased various resources and tools designed to promote labor rights and legal compliance. As the 3rd Annual National Labour Convention and Expo continues into its second day, the focus remains on identifying concrete strategies to ensure employee safeguards and navigate the future of work in Uganda’s dynamic economy.
