KAMPALA, Uganda  — The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi Ochom, on Wednesday urged for the modernization of the nation’s employment laws to reflect the burgeoning digital economy and ensure fair treatment for all workers.
Speaking at the 3rd Annual National Labour Convention and Expo at the Mestil Hotel, Amongi emphasized the critical need for the existing legal framework to adapt to the evolving ways Ugandans are earning a livelihood, particularly through online platforms.
Minister Amongi highlighted the significant number of young graduates entering a job market increasingly shaped by digital opportunities. “Most of these youth who come out of these universities will not go for agriculture. You’ll find them on TikTok, and they’re making money. You’ll find them on Facebook. They’re making money for us,” she observed, underscoring the necessity of recognizing and regulating this growing sector. “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.”
A key point of emphasis for the Minister was the persistent issue of worker compensation for job-related injuries. She voiced concern over the frequent complaints her ministry receives regarding inadequate or denied compensation, urging stronger enforcement of the Workers Compensation Act.
“We need greater engagement with employers… on the issue of compensation for people who get injured at work,” she stated, appealing for closer collaboration with employers and trade unions to safeguard the rights of vulnerable workers.
Amongi also highlighted the crucial role of labor officers at the local level in ensuring compliance with labor laws and resolving disputes. She noted ongoing efforts to enhance their capacity and underscored their importance as the initial point of contact for worker grievances before they escalate to industrial courts. Additionally, she spoke about the expanded mandate of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), which now covers all employers with at least one employee, aiming to provide broader social protection.
Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Isanga Nakadama, representing the prime minister, officially opened the two-day event, themed “Strengthening Compliance to Employment Law: A prerequisite for decent jobs, economic empowerment and inclusive growth.”
Nakadama stressed the government’s commitment to a fair labor environment and urged employers and other stakeholders to prioritize adherence to labor laws, which she said are crucial for both worker welfare and business success. She called for proactive compliance measures such as training and clear communication of employee rights, acknowledging the role of labor organizations and reaffirming the government’s dedication to improving labor institutions and expanding economic opportunities nationwide.
Dr. Aggrey David Kibenge, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, noted a key takeaway from the previous year’s expo was the plan to digitize labor administration to align with global trends and Uganda’s digital transformation roadmap.
He explained that the primary objective of this year’s convention is to foster a deeper understanding of the labor law framework while exploring practical solutions for strengthening compliance across all sectors.
Mr. Douglas Opio, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE), pointed out the increasing prominence of labor and employment in national development plans and budget discussions, with a significant focus on job creation.
Following Minister Amongi’s address, the convention featured a keynote by Mr. Charles Mudiwa, Managing Director of DFCU Bank, on preparing Uganda’s workforce for decent work and inclusive economic development.
Dr. Phiona Mpanga of Makerere University School of Law’s Business Law Clinic presented on employment law compliance as a driver of inclusive economic growth.
Mr. Alex Asiimwe, Commissioner for Labour, Industrial Relations and Productivity, provided an overview of the current labor situation and announced an upcoming job-matching platform aimed at improving access to employment opportunities.
An expo showcasing resources and initiatives related to labor rights and legal compliance is running alongside the conference.
The 3rd Annual National Labour Convention and Expo is scheduled to conclude on Thursday, with expectations that the discussions will lead to actionable recommendations for strengthening Uganda’s employment governance and fostering a more equitable and productive labor market.
