Uganda to commemorate International Labour Day tomorrow
National celebrations will be held at Nkoyoyo Boarding Primary School grounds in Matale, Buikwe district, and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to be the Guest of Honour
KAMPALA, April 30, 2026 — Uganda will tomorrow join the rest of the world in commemorating International Labour Day, a day set aside to recognise and appreciate workers’ contributions to national development, while also raising awareness of their rights and responsibilities.
National celebrations will be held at Nkoyoyo Boarding Primary School grounds in Matale, Buikwe district, and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to be the Guest of Honour. This year’s theme is: “Safeguarding Uganda’s progress, empowering the workforce and promoting decent work for competitive enterprises.”
The Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Esther Davinia Anyakun said the occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on both the opportunities and challenges within Uganda’s labour market.
Speaking at a press conference at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, Anyakun cited findings from the 2025 Market Survey Report, noting that Uganda’s working-age population stands at 58.1 per cent, equivalent to 26.4 million people, while unemployment is at 12 per cent.
She added that labour force participation remains relatively low at 43.2 per cent, reflecting structural constraints in labour market absorption. Youth exclusion remains a significant concern, with approximately 42.6 per cent of those aged 15–24 not in employment, education or training. Unemployment, she noted, is also higher among females than males.
Anyakun further explained that Uganda’s labour market is largely informal, contributing about 54.5 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product [GDP] and employing nearly 88 per cent of the workforce. As a result, many workers remain vulnerable, with limited access to labour protection. This is compounded by gaps in awareness and enforcement of labour rights, leaving many exposed to hazardous conditions and workplace abuses.
Social protection coverage also remains limited. Although about 3.2 million workers are registered under the Retirement Benefits Scheme—most of them with the National Social Security Fund [NSSF], only a fraction are actively contributing, leaving many exposed to income insecurity in old age.
On productivity, Anyakun noted that Uganda’s overall labour productivity remains below both regional and global averages. She emphasised the need to sustain efforts to improve productivity across all sectors, in line with the ambitions of the Fourth National Development Plan [NDP IV].
Despite these challenges, she said Uganda has made steady progress towards attaining middle-income status by expanding the monetisation of the economy, reducing poverty levels, and establishing a robust legal and policy framework to guide national development. These achievements, she added, provide a strong foundation for sustaining economic transformation, strengthening enterprise competitiveness, and advancing decent work for all Ugandans.
The minister also revealed that a series of activities are already underway, including conferences and visits to factories to assess and improve working conditions. She emphasised the importance of using the day to reflect on recent national data and better understand labour market trends.
According to the National Population and Housing Census 2024, Uganda’s population stands at 45.9 million, with over 73 per cent aged below 30, highlighting the country’s predominantly youthful demographic. While this presents significant opportunities, it also poses a challenge in creating sufficient, productive and decent jobs to absorb the rapidly growing labour force.
International Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day or May Day, is observed as a public holiday in many countries worldwide, typically on 1 May, although some nations mark it on different dates.
The government, through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, continues to implement programmes aimed at promoting decent work and enhancing productivity. Among these is the National Apprenticeship and Graduate Volunteer Programme [NAGV], which seeks to equip young people with practical, market-relevant skills, support the formalisation of informal businesses, and boost labour productivity for national competitiveness and human capital development.
As part of the commemorations, the ministry will conduct workplace inspections, community barazas, workers’ conferences and tree-planting activities.
Anyakun urged all Ugandans to take part in the celebrations as a way of recognising and honouring the contribution of workers to national development.
“I urge all Ugandans to embrace the upcoming Labour Day celebrations,” she said.
World Press Freedom Day 2026
In a related development, the Uganda Human Rights Commission [UHRC] has announced plans to mark World Press Freedom Day 2026 with a national commemoration in Kampala, underscoring the importance of media freedom in fostering peace, development and security.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Uganda Media Centre, UHRC officials confirmed that the celebrations will take place on May 3, 2026 at the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation [UBC] Grounds. The event will include a commemorative walk, speeches and an awards ceremony recognising excellence in the media industry.
The day’s activities will be officiated by the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, alongside UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya, representatives from the Media Council of Uganda, and leaders from various media houses and professional associations. Proceedings will begin with a national walk at 7am through the streets of Kampala, before participants return to the UBC Grounds for the official ceremony.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the UHRC Chairperson, Commissioner Lame Omara Apitta welcomed this year’s theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Development and Security in Uganda.” He emphasised that empowering journalists to tell stories that promote unity and peacebuilding is vital to safeguarding human dignity and coexistence.
While acknowledging progress in media freedoms, including legislative developments and increased tolerance of criticism, Commissioner Omara noted that challenges persist. He pointed to instances where actors in law enforcement and politics have exceeded legal limits in restricting press freedom, though he reassured the public that mechanisms exist to address such grievances.
He highlighted ongoing collaboration between UHRC and stakeholders under the Uganda Media Sector Working Group, aimed at strengthening awareness, monitoring compliance with human rights obligations and enhancing journalists’ safety. Particular attention, he said, is being paid to tackling impunity and addressing digital threats, including gender-based harassment.
Commissioner Omara also raised concerns about the rise of misinformation and deep fakes in the era of artificial intelligence. He urged media professionals to prioritise fact-checking, credibility and accountability in order to rebuild public trust and prevent conflict driven by false information.
The commemoration, he added, will provide a platform for dialogue on press freedom and the welfare of journalists, while addressing both physical and digital risks faced by media practitioners. UHRC called on all stakeholders to work collectively in protecting human rights and strengthening media freedom, stressing that meaningful progress requires shared responsibility and coordinated effort.
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