Govt tightens human rights protections in extractive industry
Bernard Mujuni, the commissioner for equity and rights at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, said the initiative is intended to bridge existing gaps in access to justice, particularly for vulnerable communities affected by large-scale investments in oil and gas and mineral extraction in many parts of the country.
The proposed mechanism is expected to provide a formal and accessible avenue for individuals and communities to seek redress when their rights are violated by business operations, including corruption, gender-based violence, child labour, labour rights violations, unfair compensation and other business-related grievances.
The Ugandan government is developing a national grievance redress and accountability mechanism to enable communities affected by business activities to report human rights violations, unfair compensation, corruption and other abuses, in the extractives sector.
The proposed mechanism is expected to provide a formal and accessible avenue for individuals and communities to seek redress when their rights are violated by business operations, including corruption, gender-based violence, child labour, labour rights violations, unfair compensation and other business-related grievances.
Bernard Mujuni, the commissioner for equity and rights at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, said the initiative is intended to bridge existing gaps in access to justice, particularly for vulnerable communities affected by large-scale investments in oil and gas and mineral extraction in many parts of the country.
He made the remarks on Friday (October 23) at the Uganda Media Centre while announcing the Seventh National Forum on Business and Human Rights, which will take place from October 26 to 28 at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
The Government is encouraging businesses to integrate human rights considerations into their operations, especially in sectors involving land acquisition, natural resources, large-scale infrastructure projects and extractive industries
“An individual should be able to access remedies when a violation takes place in business operations,” said Mujuni.
He said some communities affected by development projects often lose out during compensation processes, with intermediaries allegedly taking substantial portions of money intended for project-affected persons, leaving them with little recourse.
It is hoped the new grievance mechanism will strengthen accountability by providing a recognised platform through which such concerns can be reported, investigated and resolved.
Oil pipeline
Mujuni pointed to Uganda’s oil pipeline project as an example of growing efforts to integrate human rights considerations into major investments, particularly in relation to land rights, compensation and community engagement
“This is a milestone for this country,” he said, while commending President Yoweri Museveni for supporting Uganda’s business and human rights agenda.
Mujuni stressed that investors must engage meaningfully with affected communities and respect their rights to land, livelihoods and other resources.
He cautioned against the appropriation of community-owned resources without adequate consultation and compensation, warning that failure to address legitimate grievances could spark disputes, delay projects and increase operational costs.
“Human rights concerns should be dealt with before they escalate into conflict, litigation or disruptions that can ultimately affect investment outcomes."
The extractives sector will be a key area of discussion at the upcoming forum, with participants expected to examine the human rights implications of resource exploitation, protection of affected communities and the role of environmental and human rights defenders.
Abuses in sugar plantations
Beyond the extractives sector, concerns were raised about persistent labour rights violations in large-scale agricultural enterprises, particularly sugarcane plantations.
Child labour, sexual harassment, workplace exploitation and violence against women and girls were cited as some of the challenges identified during inspections conducted by the gender ministry in districts such as Mayuge and Hoima
Working alongside labour officers, community development officers and other stakeholders, the ministry has undertaken a series of human rights inspections aimed at ensuring compliance with labour standards.
Mujuni said such abuses not only undermine workers’ dignity and wellbeing but can also disrupt business operations and damage investor reputations.
The initiative, dubbed Advancing Respect for Human Rights by Businesses in Uganda, is being implemented by the ministry in partnership with Enabel, the Belgian Agency for International Cooperation, with support from the European Union.
Sector-based minimum wage
It is understood the Government is reviewing several labour-related issues, including minimum wages, workers’ compensation and protections for domestic workers
Ongoing research and consultations are intended to guide future policy proposals following a directive from President Museveni that a comprehensive study be undertaken before the Government adopts a minimum wage framework.
Rather than introducing a blanket minimum wage across all sectors, the Government is exploring the possibility of sector-specific wage structures that consider the unique circumstances of different industries.
Human rights forum
The Seventh National Forum on Business and Human Rights will be held under the theme: “Reflecting on Progress and Strengthening Commitment: The Journey of Uganda’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.”
Discussions will focus on labour rights and decent work, land and natural resources, environmental protection and climate justice, access to remedies, consumer protection, corporate accountability, as well as technology, digital rights and data protection.
Mujuni urged workers to report cases of intimidation, mistreatment and sexual harassment through established workplace channels, including human resource departments and sexual harassment committees.
He revealed that the SAUTI reporting mechanism receives about 200 cases daily, which are processed and referred to relevant authorities for action
The SAUTI 116 toll-free platform brings together multiple institutions capable of investigating complaints and ensuring victims receive appropriate support and justice.