As Uganda gears up to celebrate International Labour Day, where the celebrations will be held at Mukabura Grounds, St. Leo’s College Kyegobe in Fort Portal city, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, the country’s theme remains relevant as it hints at improving access to labour justice, to which all workers should be entitled to ensure increased productivity.
According to the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to preside over the celebrations.
The theme “Improving Access to Labour Justice: A Prerequisite for Increased Productivity” for Labour Day 2024 is highly relevant to Ugandans. The theme highlights the crucial link between fair labour practices, access to justice, and productivity, which are significant factors for the Ugandan workforce and economy.
In Uganda, as in many other countries, labour justice and fair working conditions are essential for the well-being of employees and the overall productivity of the workforce. Access to labour justice ensures that workers are treated fairly, receive just compensation, and are protected from exploitation and unfair labour practices. This, in turn, leads to a motivated and engaged workforce, which is crucial for increased productivity and economic growth.
In a phone interview on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, Usher Wilson Owere, the Chief Labour Affairs, External Labour Power House, said that improving labour justice is important for workers.
“First of all, the constitution of Uganda gives workers the right to associate, have liberty at workplaces, and also get justice. The workplace environment is very important. Any worker working anywhere should be in a safer place so that he is able to work, and that safe place is supposed to be conducive, descent, and also, in doing his or her work, somebody is supposed to have what I would call safety nets and also justice, whereby he or she is allowed to do her work properly, and when there is any problem, whether an accident or anything, he or she is supposed to get justice,” Owere said.
According to Daphine Akol, a Human Resource Expert, Uganda, like many developing nations, faces a challenge of labour injustices that hinder the well-being and productivity of its workers. From unfair dismissals to inadequate wages and unsafe working conditions, these not only affect individual workers but also undermine the nation’s economic growth and social stability.
“One of the most pressing issues is the prevalence of unfair dismissals. Many workers in Uganda are subjected to arbitrary termination without due process or just cause. This not only deprives them of their livelihood but also contributes to a culture of job insecurity and fear among the workforce. Addressing this issue requires strengthening labour laws and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that workers are protected from unjust dismissals and have access to fair grievance procedures,” Akol said.
Akol noted that, in addition to unfair dismissals, inadequate wages remain a significant concern for many workers in Uganda. She added that despite their hard work and contribution to their organizations and the economy, a large portion of the workforce struggles to make ends meet due to low wages that often fall below the minimum living standards. This, she said, perpetuates a cycle of poverty and inequality, which undermines efforts to achieve sustainable development.
According to Akol, in order to address this issue, there is a need for comprehensive wage reforms that ensure fair compensation for all workers, taking into account the cost of living and inflation rates.
Promoting fair labour practices and providing access to labour justice is very important because it contributes to social and economic development in Uganda. When workers are confident in their rights and feel supported by the justice system, it leads to a more equitable and harmonious work environment. This fosters a positive and productive work culture, ultimately benefiting the country’s economy and overall prosperity.
The theme’s emphasis on increased productivity aligns with Uganda’s efforts to strengthen its position in the global economy. By prioritizing fair labour practices and access to justice, Uganda can enhance its competitiveness and attract investments, leading to sustainable economic growth and development.
It is crucial for the Ugandan government, labor unions, employers, and other stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure the implementation of policies and practices that support fair labor conditions and access to justice. This includes promoting labour laws that protect workers’ rights, establishing mechanisms for resolving labour disputes, and providing avenues for workers to seek redress in cases of labour violations.
In general, the theme “Improving Access to Labour Justice: A Prerequisite for Increased Productivity” is highly relevant to Ugandans, as it underscores the importance of fair labour practices, access to justice, and their positive impact on productivity and economic growth. It serves as a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize labour justice, which is essential for building a thriving and sustainable workforce and economy in Uganda.
