Museveni Signs Employment Law Boosting Worker Rights on Labour Day Eve

Uganda celebrated International Labour Day with the theme ‘Safeguarding Uganda’s Progress: Empowering the Workforce and Promoting Decent Work for Competitive Enterprises.’

President Yoweri Museveni signed the Employment (Amendment) Act 2025 into law on Wednesday, days before the holiday. This move is viewed as a major gift to workers, enhancing job security and rights.

Key changes include converting casual workers engaged over six months into contract staff. Employers must now offer breastfeeding mothers 30-minute nursing breaks every two hours or reduced hours for 60 days post-maternity leave.

The law extends formal protections to domestic workers and vulnerable groups. All workplaces must establish safety and health committees, regardless of size, and include mental health support. It also broadens sexual harassment rules and tightens occupational safety standards.

A national minimum wage was not addressed, leaving it unresolved. Labour rights advocate Usher Wilson Owere praised the act for empowering factory workers and others stuck in casual roles for years, urging stronger enforcement and union membership.

State Minister for Labour Esther Davinia Anyakun highlighted challenges in Uganda’s 88% informal labour market, including underpayment and low productivity. She noted high youth unemployment, with 73% of Ugandans under 30 and 42.6% of youth not in employment, education, or training.

Despite issues, progress includes poverty reduction, skilling programs, and expanded social security.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)