KAMPALA, Uganda— State Minister for Labour, Employment & Industrial Relations Esther Anyakun has called for an increase in the number of judges at the Industrial Court.
Speaking on the second day of the Annual National Labour Convention and Expo (ANLC2025), Anyakun welcomed former Permanent Secretary Pius Bigirimana’s commitment to support the effort.
Anyakun said decent work applies to all workers, including women, men, youth, people with disabilities, nationals, and refugees. She added that labor policies must reflect the realities of all who contribute to the economy through inclusive social security and refugee inclusion. Her remarks were made during ANLCEUganda25.
Pius Bigirimana, now Permanent Secretary for the Judiciary of Uganda, said in his keynote address that Uganda’s decent work agenda is a key part of national development.
Speaking under the theme “Strengthening compliance to employment law: A prerequisite for decent work, economic empowerment & inclusive growth,” he acknowledged challenges but pointed to opportunities presented by the youthful population, national wealth, and strong policy frameworks.
“All employers must invest in people, protect their rights, and empower their voices,” Bigirimana said. “Let’s not measure success by quantity alone, but by how we produce—justly, safely & inclusively.”
International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director Caroline Mugalla announced that the third decent work program will be launched on Labour Day, May 1, by President Yoweri Museveni. She said this signals Uganda’s commitment to advancing decent work for all.
Mugalla said the Decent Work Country Programme aims to address interconnected challenges by promoting a human-centered approach to the future of work.
Richard Bigirwa of the National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) said decent work is vital for individual well-being, economic growth, and social progress.
Commissioner for Labour, Industrial Relations & Productivity Alex Asiimwe unveiled Uganda’s Decent Work Country Programme III (2025/6–2029/30) at ANLC2025. The program reaffirms Uganda’s commitment to decent work, social justice, and growth, with the launch set for Labour Day.
Commissioner for Labour, Industrial Relations & Productivity, Alex Asiimwe, unveiled Uganda’s Decent Work Country Programme III (2025/6–2029/30) at #ANLC2025. The programme reaffirms Uganda’s commitment to decent work, social justice & growth. Launch set for Labour Day pic.twitter.com/sJrj5EeJpj
— Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (@Mglsd_UG) April 24, 2025
The Annual National Labour Convention and Expo 2025 (ANLC2025), a partnership between the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and S&L Advocates, began Wednesday with an opening address by Minister Betty Amongi. She emphasized the importance of employment law compliance for job creation, economic empowerment, and equitable growth.
Under the theme “Strengthening Compliance to Employment Law: A Prerequisite for Decent Jobs, Economic Empowerment and Inclusive Growth,” ANLC2025 drew more than 3,000 participants in person and online.
The event also featured an exhibition of organizations providing legal aid, workplace technology, and worker support services.
A key message as the 3rd Annual National Labour Convention and Expo concluded was the need to strengthen employment law enforcement through an empowered and expanded Industrial Court to achieve decent jobs, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth in Uganda.
