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The state minister for labour, employment and industrial relations Esther Anyakun says that workers in Uganda face challenges in accessing labour justice despite existing frameworks.

Anyakun raised the issues such as unfair dismissal, unpaid wages, and unsafe working conditions are widespread, particularly among vulnerable groups like women, youth, and informal sector workers.

“Many employers do not contribute to social protection, leaving workers financially insecure in old age. The National Labour Force Survey 2O21 indicates that many workers are exposed to hazardous working conditions, including exposure to dust, fumes, and violence, with many lacking protective gear. While 898,000 workers had suffered accidents/injuries in the 12 months preceding the survey, data from the Insurance Regulatory Authority's Annual Insurance Market Report 2022, reveal that only 30,555 lives there were insured under 2,347 Workers' Compensation Policies in 2022,” Anyakun explained.

While delivering a statement on Labour Day celebrations to Parliament on Tuesday, April 30^th, Anyakun said that Uganda should use the international Labour Day celebrations to appreciate workers' contributions to national development and raise awareness about workers' rights and responsibilities.

The celebrations on Wednesday were held at Mukabura Grounds at St. Leo's College, Fort Portal City.

International Labour Day is a globally recognized public holiday which originated from 19th Century labour union movements in the United States. May 1st was designated as a day to commemorate those who died in the struggle for improved working conditions.

The theme for this year's celebration is: ‘Improving access to labour justice: A Prerequisite for increased productivity’.

The minister said that access to labour justice is a fundamental right, essential for maintaining a fair and equitable labour market, protecting workers from exploitation and unfair treatment and promoting compliance with labour laws.

The theme highlights the importance of ensuring that workers have access to fair and effective mechanisms for resolving disputes and grievances in the workplace, which in turn contributes to increased productivity and economic growth.

The Government has established a comprehensive legal and policy framework to enhance access to labour justice. Key legislations include the National Employment Act, 2006, Occupational Safety and Health Act 2006, Workers Compensation Act Cap 225, the Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) (Amendment) Act 2021, National Social Security Fund Act Cap 222 (as amended), and the Labour Unions Act, 2006. These provide a framework for dispute resolution and prevention.

The institutional framework comprise labour offices spread in all districts, cities and municipalities serving as quasi-courts of first instance on labour matters.

In addition, the Industrial Court is functional as a referral court for labour disputes.

She indicated that the ministry of gender faces constraints such as lack of a web-based system and national database for labour statistics, integrated case management system for labour complaints and dispute settlement, as well as staffing shortages, insufficient tools, logistics and court facilities.

“It is important to recognize and address the barriers that hinder workers from seeking redress for workplace disputes. The ministry is committed to enhancing access to labour justice and seeks the support of Parliament in addressing the constraints,” Anyakun said.