KAMPALA, October 9, 2025 — In a bid to promote professionalism and discipline within Uganda’s workforce, Parliament has endorsed stringent penalties targeting unqualified and unlicensed human resource [ HR ] practitioners.
The proposals form part of the Human Resource Management Professionals Bill, 2025, a Private Member’s Bill introduced by Workers’ Member of Parliament [MP] Margaret Rwabushaija. The Bill aims to regulate the HR profession through mandatory registration, licensing, and robust disciplinary measures.
Under the proposed law, practising HR without a valid practising certificate would constitute a criminal offence, punishable by a fine of up to Shs 10 million or a six-month prison term. Offenders who forge documents or impersonate registered HR professionals would face even stiffer penalties, up to Shs 20mln in fines or two years in prison.
Lawmakers argue that such tough measures are essential to safeguard the integrity of the profession and protect organisations from unqualified individuals.
“Last week, we lost a mother because she visited a fake doctor. Today [Tuesday], I read of another mother who died at the hands of an unqualified medical practitioner. We face the same problem in HR, individuals claiming to be professionals with no knowledge of managing people. This Bill will protect institutions from such quacks,” Rwabushaija said.
She made the remarks during a joint meeting on Tuesday involving the Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Esther Anyakun, and MPs from the Committees on Gender, Labour and Social Development, and Public Service and Local Government.
According to the Bill, practising certificates will expire on December 31, each year, and renewal must be completed at least two months prior. However, some MPs expressed concern that this timeline could be overly restrictive.
“The two-month renewal period may pose challenges. What happens if someone fails to renew within that timeframe? Should we consider extending the window? We must assess its practicality,” said Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Service and Local Government.
Wakiso District Woman MP, Ethel Naluyima, welcomed the Bill but raised concerns about its inclusivity, particularly regarding workers in small businesses and the informal sector.
“With numerous labour laws already in place, should we not consider consolidating them into a single framework? Many small enterprises depend on diploma holders who manage several employees. What becomes of them if this Bill restricts HR practice to only degree holders?” Naluyima asked.
In response, Minister Anyakun defended the Bill’s strict provisions, stating that both the renewal timelines and qualification standards are crucial for maintaining the profession’s integrity.
“To be considered a professional HR practitioner, there must be a clear standard. Renewals should be completed before certificates expire. This Bill encourages young people to strive for excellence in HR, just as in fields like medicine or law,” she said.
The Bill also proposes the creation of a Human Resource Management Professionals Society, tasked with regulating the profession, issuing licences, enforcing a code of conduct, and establishing disciplinary procedures. Additionally, it includes provisions to protect HR professionals from victimisation by employers and to ensure accountability in cases of professional misconduct.
https://thecooperator.news/teso-leaders-must-focus-on-human-resource-development-says-norbert-mao/
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