NAKAPIRIPIRIT, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has renewed discussions on establishing a national minimum wage, pledging government attention to labor sector concerns during International Labour Day celebrations in Nakapiripirit District.
Museveni, speaking at Nakaale Grounds, highlighted the minimum wage as a priority for upcoming Cabinet deliberations, following discussions with workers at State House, Entebbe.
“We talked about the minimum wage, the tripartite arrangement, and the issue of casual labour,” Museveni said, signaling a shift toward sector-specific solutions.
Under the theme “Consolidating on the Gains of the Parish Development Model (PDM) for Increased Productivity and Inclusive Job Creation,” Museveni acknowledged the need to address worker exploitation. He indicated that reforms would include regulating employment agencies.
“We shall discuss more in June in the Cabinet. We are also going to look into employment agencies that exploit workers by standing between them and employers,” he said.
While not setting a timeline for a minimum wage, Museveni emphasized a methodical, inclusive approach.
“The approach we discussed, dealing with issues sector by sector is more realistic,” he added.
Museveni also criticized the importation of foreign workers when qualified Ugandans are available, promising increased scrutiny of companies prioritizing expatriate labor.
He highlighted job creation through private-sector initiatives, citing figures from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) showing significant employment in factories, agriculture, services, and ICT, compared to public service.
Museveni linked job creation to wealth generation, citing success stories from the PDM program.5 He emphasized government support for entrepreneurs through infrastructure investment and financial access.
“Wealth comes first. Jobs come from wealth,” he said, outlining investments in electricity, transport, credit, and internet.
Museveni urged Ugandans to embrace patriotism and continental unity to expand market opportunities.
“Factories and jobs mean nothing without a market. That’s why you must love Uganda, love Africa. Our internal market isn’t enough. We need East Africa and beyond,” he said.
