Minister Amongi commits to ensuring decent work in Uganda
Speaking during the second day of the 3rd Annual National Labour Convention and Expo held recently at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, Amongi emphasised the importance of aligning employment practices with decent work standards
KAMPALA, April 26, 2025 – The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development [MoGLSD], Betty Amongi, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing and monitoring the Decent Work Country Programme [DWCP] to ensure it meets the needs of all workers in Uganda.
Speaking during the second day of the 3rd Annual National Labour Convention and Expo held recently at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, Amongi emphasised the importance of aligning employment practices with decent work standards under the theme: “Strengthening Compliance to Employment Law: A Prerequisite for Decent Jobs, Economic Empowerment and Inclusive Growth.”
During the event, the Commissioner for Labour, Industrial Relations and Productivity, Alex Asiimwe, unveiled Uganda’s third Decent Work Country Programme [2025/2026–2029/2030], which will be officially launched on International Labour Day by President Yoweri Museveni.
While signing the programme, Amongi outlined the core elements of decent work, including a decent salary, job security, social protection such as health insurance, and occupational safety, among others.
“Let me start by reaffirming that the Ministry of Finance has authorized me to launch and sign this Decent Work Country Programme, and they have committed that the Ministry of Finance will ensure that government joins partners in contributing to the gap that the partners will leave. So that is a commitment for Ministry of Finance.” Hon. Amongi said.
“The second issue is that His Excellency, the President, will launch this Decent Country Work Programme on first May, during the Labour Day, to show commitment of government on this,” she added.
Amongi highlighted the core pillars of the programme, including fair wages, job security, social protection, and occupational safety. She announced that the Ministry of Finance had endorsed the initiative and pledged to support funding gaps not covered by development partners.
The Minister stressed the government’s recognition of the vital role decent work plays in the country’s socioeconomic development, noting that the DWCP III represents a renewed national commitment to social justice and inclusive growth.
“The programme provides a collaborative framework for government, employers, workers’ organisations and stakeholders to embed decent work into the national development agenda,” she said.
Amongi added that the three strategic priorities of the DWCP which include; shared prosperity in a healthy environment, human wellbeing and resilience, and social dialogue, are aligned with Uganda’s development goals, including the MGLSD Strategic Plan and the NRM Manifesto [2021–2026].
Concluding the convention, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa called for increased compliance with labour laws and the protection of workers’ rights to build a more inclusive and prosperous Uganda.
He emphasised Parliament’s role in enacting and reviewing legislation in line with international labour standards and overseeing implementation to ensure accountability and enforcement.
“Through its legislative mandate, parliament enacts and updates labour laws to align with international standards and evolving workforce needs. It also exercises oversight over the executive branch to ensure effective enforcement of employment regulations and protection of workers’ rights,” he said.
During the UN General Assembly in September 2015, decent work and the four pillars of the Decent Work Agenda, employment creation, social protection, rights at work, and social dialogue became integral elements of the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
https://thecooperator.news/labour-day-time-to-prioritise-social-justice/
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