KAMPALA, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) – Uganda’s National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) has criticised the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development over what it describes as weak enforcement of labour laws, delays at the Industrial Court and limited consultation with social partners.
NOTU Secretary General Richard Bigirwa said more than 5,000 cases were pending before the Industrial Court, which he said had not been operational for four months, raising concerns about workers’ access to justice.
Bigirwa made the remarks during a stakeholders’ consultative workshop on the review and development of employment and labour relations legislation held at Admas Hotel in Entebbe.
He said the prolonged interruption of the court’s operations had left workers waiting for the resolution of labour disputes, calling for urgent action to address the backlog.
“We have over 5,000 cases pending, the court has been non-operational for four months without explanation. Workers are denied their right to access justice,” Bigirwa said.
Bigirwa also rejected proposals to transfer the Industrial Court from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to the Judiciary.
He further opposed plans to remove panelists from the court, arguing that the participation of representatives of workers and employers was essential to resolving industrial disputes.
He said the tripartite system, which brings together government, employers and workers, was central to international labour standards and should be maintained in Uganda’s industrial relations framework.
The NOTU secretary general also questioned the effectiveness of labour inspections, particularly reports that some investors prevent government inspectors from accessing workplaces.
He said effective enforcement was necessary to ensure employers complied with labour laws and workers’ rights were protected.
Bigirwa warned that strained relations between government, employers and workers could undermine productivity, urging all parties to respect one another and engage constructively.
“Social partners must work together in harmony. Government must respect workers, workers have to respect government and employers have to respect workers. If that relationship is eroded, labour productivity will face serious challenges,” he said.
NOTU also called on the government to expedite the ratification of key International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions relating to workers’ rights, domestic work, occupational safety and health, and protection against workplace harassment.
Bigirwa highlighted Convention 189 on decent work for domestic workers and Convention 187, which provides a framework for promoting occupational safety and health. He also referred to Convention 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work, urging the government to strengthen protections for workers.
The conventions are intended to support better working conditions, safer workplaces and stronger safeguards against abuse and harassment.
Bigirwa’s remarks came as Uganda marked 64 years of independence, with the union leader commending workers for their resilience and contribution to national development.
Responding to the concerns, Eva Katusabe, the Commissioner in charge of the Occupational Safety and Health Department at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, thanked participants for their contributions to the review of employment and labour relations legislation.
She said the issues raised would be forwarded to the ministry’s technical team for consideration and possible solutions.
Katusabe said the ministry remained committed to addressing gaps in the law while balancing the interests of workers and employers.
The workshop comes amid calls for stronger labour law enforcement, improved access to industrial justice and closer cooperation between government, employers and trade unions.
