Uganda commits to addressing occupational hazards faced by workers

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Uganda on Monday (April 28, 2025) joined the rest of the world in marking the International Day for Safety and Health, reaffirming its commitment to addressing occupational hazards that continue to affect workers.

Presiding over the commemorations at the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) in Namanve Industrial Park under the theme “Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalisation at Work,” gender and labour minister Betty Amongi stressed that failure to comply with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards costs everyone—through loss of life or livelihood, damaged reputations, business collapse, and the financial burden of compensating or treating injuries.

“We cannot afford to ignore or treat non-compliance lightly. There is need to devise more innovative and proactive measures and stricter enforcement of OSH standards, particularly in the evolving sectors, to safeguard human life, enhance enterprise resilience, and reduce the associated national economic burden,” Amongi said.

Betty Amongi (left) the Minister of Gender hands over an award to Harrison Mutikanga (center) the managing director Uganda Electricity Generation Company during the World Day for Safety and Health at work. (Photo by Nicholas Oneal)

The minister added: “Employers remain with the fundamental duty to protect their workers by prioritising risk assessments, establishing risk management and communication systems and procedures, providing appropriate controls in the form of administrative or engineering controls and personal protective equipment.”

She noted that OSH measures should not be viewed as a cost, but rather as an investment in people, the planet, and productivity, adding that a workplace which values and protects its people thrives, boosts morale, enhances performance, and drives sustainable growth.

“Workers too are required to play their part by prioritising their own health and safety, as well as that of their colleagues, by adhering to established safety procedures, correctly using the protective equipment provided, and actively participating in the workplace safety initiatives. Workers should be vigilant in reporting hazards, raising concerns, and proposing solutions,” Amongi said.

The minister added that with the recent assent to the OSH Amendment Act, which expands the scope of enforcement, the ministry intends to rigorously inspect workplaces, enforce penalties, and sanction non-compliant entities through various available avenues. Compliance with the minimum standards is no longer optional.

“While OSH is not a decentralised function, the ministry continues to leverage the existing local government structures, particularly the District Labour Offices. With the network of Labour Officers across the country, the ministry expects to receive timely reports on cases of non-compliance and workplace accidents, for timely redress—be it follow-up inspections, investigations, or enforcement actions as may be required,” she said.

She added: “In strengthening this collaboration, the Ministry through the OSH Department continues to hold targeted trainings and technical backstopping so as to build the competencies of Labour Officers to address OSH-related matters at the district level.”

Amongi said that despite ongoing efforts, significant OSH challenges still exist, calling for collective responsibility to drive the necessary decisive action.

“Today’s commemoration offers us a platform to reflect on what is not working, to share experiences, and to collectively brainstorm on practical solutions for improvement. As we embrace these changing times, we remain anchored in the principle that work must be dignified, inclusive, and humane. I reaffirm the Government’s commitment to ensuring health and safety, through promoting decent, productive employment for all,” she said.

The function also featured the awarding of public and private entities that have excelled in protecting workers’ rights.

The Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) scooped the government award for safest workplace among ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

In a briefing to the gender minister before the awards were handed out, Sight Akatukunda, senior programme officer for communication at the gender ministry, said the awards aim to honour and recognise workplaces that have consistently implemented measures to promote the safety, health, and wellbeing of employees and the public.

Dr Eng. Harrison Mutikanga, the chief executive officer at UEGCL, said the gender ministry had visited their facilities, particularly the power-generating plants, and confirmed that their work and health practices were in line with international best practices.

“I want to thank my team, especially the Department of Safety, Health, Quality and Environment, which has championed safety and health across the organisation. Safety is an issue for each and every one, and I would like to congratulate the board, the management, and all the workers upon this milestone,” Mutikanga said.

According to the ministry, the overall award winners were Nile Breweries’ Jinja plant in first place, Uganda Breweries Ltd in second, and Vivo Energy in third.

City Ambulance won in the service sector, Wagagai Ltd was ranked safest in the agriculture sector, Vivo Energy topped the energy sector, and Nile Breweries Jinja plant, Uganda Breweries Kampala, Euroflex Ltd, Roofings Ltd, and Kenrom Chemicals Company all scooped awards in the industry category.