labour 25 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda's Labour Laws Urgently Need Overhaul for Informal Sector Protection, Says Judge Bamugemereire
Supreme Court Judge Catherine Bamugemereire has called for an urgent overhaul of Uganda's labor laws, emphasizing the critical need to extend protections to the vast informal workforce. She highlighted that current legislation is primarily designed for formal employment, leaving many vulnerable workers unprotected. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-labour-laws-need-overhaul-to-protect-informal-workers-says-judge-bamugemereire-5608544
Supreme Court Judge Catherine Bamugemereire has stressed the pressing need to update Uganda’s labor legislation to better safeguard workers in the informal sector. During an event marking 25 years of the Platform for Labour Action (PLA), she pointed out that existing laws are largely geared towards formally employed and unionized individuals, leaving a significant portion of the workforce vulnerable.
Workers in markets, domestic roles, construction, and artisanal mining often fall outside the scope of current labor protections. Judge Bamugemereire explained that a robust labor justice system relies on the interplay between government institutions, the judiciary, employers, worker organizations, and civil society.
PLA, an NGO advocating for workers’ rights, has been instrumental in this space. Over 25 years, the organization has provided legal aid and representation to over 58,000 vulnerable workers, including a significant number of women. Their efforts have resulted in the recovery of over Shs1.87 billion in unpaid wages and benefits.
Beyond legal support, PLA has also addressed child labor by helping over 3,800 children return to school and providing vocational training to young people. Furthermore, they have conducted extensive awareness programs, reaching millions with legal literacy.
Dr. Atim Patricia P’Odong, PLA’s board chairperson, echoed the judge’s concerns, identifying weak enforcement as a major hurdle. She noted that both employers and workers in the informal sector often lack awareness of their legal rights and obligations, leading to perpetuation of injustices.
Judge Bamugemereire also cautioned that Uganda’s labor framework must adapt to evolving work dynamics, including automation, digital platforms, and the impacts of climate change on agriculture. The increasing migration of Ugandans seeking work abroad also presents challenges, with some facing exploitation and trafficking, necessitating stronger legal and institutional protections both domestically and internationally.