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The Government says it is bringing a new law that is expected to help clamp down on occupational safety offences at workplaces.

Labour minister Betty Amongi on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, said they had tabled the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, which they hope can tighten the noose around the necks of employers who don't put in place concrete measures to minimise workplace accidents.

She was speaking during a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala.

Amongi was briefing the media about Uganda+'s preparations to join the rest of the world to celebrate the International Labour Day slated for May 1, 2024. The day is commmemorated to appreciate the contribution workers make to development and to also raise awareness about their safety while carrying out their duties.

Irregularities

Amongi said they inspected 1,031 workplaces and 620 plants and found many irregularities.

"We have found a lot of cases that are being reported of workplaces not abiding by the occupational safety laws," she said.

According to the minister, 16 cases have since been investigated and employers sanctioned.

She said if passed by Parliament and signed by the Presidnet, the law would give the Government more powers to penalise errant employers.

According to Amongi, despite many cases occurring, many victims are reluctant to carry on with cases against their employers because of the excessive power that employers wield against them.

She said some are happier settling the cases before the objectives are met because "power relations affect the negotiations".

"Sometimes, people don't report the cases at all," Amongi added.

She said many of the cases of labour abuse included workers working without contracts and medical insurance.

In some cases, workers are forced to use poor-quality machinery or in poor conditions leading to life-threatening accidents at the workplace.