Workers MP Rwabushaija tables Bill to professionalise human resource management

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Workers MP Margaret Rwabushaija has tabled a Private Members’ Bill titled: The Human Resource Management Professionals Bill, 2025, aimed at professionalising and regulating the human resource management (HRM) practice in Uganda.

The Bill seeks to establish a legal framework for the HRM profession, including the creation of the Human Resource Management Professionals Society and a governing council.

It provides for the registration of members, disciplinary procedures, and other related matters to ensure standardisation and professionalism in the management of human resources across both public and private sectors.

Justification for the Bill

Rwabushaija explained that Uganda currently lacks a legal framework regulating human resource management, despite the country’s social and economic development relying heavily on the quality of its human capital. 

“The absence of a regulatory body to set and enforce professional standards has left many organisations operating under varied practices,” she said.

She added that HRM is central to organisational strategic planning and the achievement of institutional goals. Standardising qualifications and professional disciplines is therefore critical for the effective management of Uganda’s human resources.

Globally and regionally, HRM practices have evolved rapidly to keep pace with social, economic, legal, political, and technological changes. The revival of the East African Community, for example, has created new opportunities, standards, and challenges. Additionally, the free movement of labour within East African partner states necessitates the establishment and maintenance of robust national, regional, and international HRM standards.

Proposed remedies by the Bill

The Bill is designed to create a regulatory body responsible for setting professional standards, a code of conduct and enforcing compliance within the HRM profession. This framework is expected to enhance service delivery in both the public and private sectors.

Specifically, the Bill proposes to:

• Professionalise the human resource management practice.
• Regulate the human resource management profession.
• Establish the Human Resource Management Professionals Society.
• Constitute a Council as the governing body of the Society.
• Define the functions and responsibilities of the Council.
• Provide for the registration of members of the Society.
• Establish disciplinary procedures for members of the Society.
  
  By introducing these measures, the Bill aims to ensure that Uganda’s human resource management is aligned with modern, internationally recognised standards, supporting the country’s economic growth and organisational efficiency.

This is the second time the MP is tabling the Bill. The Human Resource Managers’ Professionals Bill, 2023 was officially introduced to Uganda's 11th Parliament on August 23, 2023, with Rwabushaija sponsoring the motion. 

The motion received Parliamentary approval, granting a 60-day period for stakeholders to scrutinise the Bill before its formal presentation. This marked the start of a series of consultations aimed at professionalising HRM and aligning Uganda with international best practices.

Gaps in the current HRM system

Rwabushaija highlighted that Uganda currently lacks a governing framework for HRM. The absence of a regulatory body has led to inconsistent professional standards, unprofessional conduct, and disputes over labor management, including wrongful dismissals and compensation claims.

She proposed that the Bill should empower courts to order compensation for workers illegally dismissed, with the possibility of doubling compensation in cases of egregious misconduct.

Arinaitwe Rwakajara, also a Workers MP, noted that many HR managers act unprofessionally by unfairly dismissing employees or failing to follow employment terms. “We need a law to regulate and penalise errant HR officers while recognising and certifying those who meet professional standards,” he said.

Supporting voices and professional standards

Ronald Bbosa, President of the Human Resource Managers Association of Uganda (HRMAU), said unprofessional conduct by HR officers often stalls careers and creates legal disputes. He stressed that a regulatory body would hold practitioners accountable and reduce industrial court cases related to unfair termination, remuneration disputes, and compliance with labour laws.

Bbosa further highlighted HRM’s critical role in enforcing social security compliance, such as remittance to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), and implementing labour laws including the Employment Act. The Bill, he said, will provide capacity building, continuous professional development, and recognition for HR officers who meet required standards, while offering support to those needing upskilling. HRMAU currently has over 1,200 voluntary members, and the Bill seeks to enhance the benefits and professionalism of registered practitioners.

Regional competitiveness and public confidence

Denis Amere Onekalit (Kitgum Municipality) argued that the professionalisation of HRM would help Uganda remain competitive within the East African Community by aligning standards with international norms. Stephen Kisa (Luuka) raised concerns about “quack” HR professionals and firms that exploit job seekers, noting the lack of regulation from entry-level officers to corporate boards.

Rwabushaija emphasised that the consultations on the Bill would continue over the coming weeks, with input from stakeholders across public and private sectors. She noted that professions such as medicine, law, and engineering have regulatory bodies, and it is time for HR professionals to receive similar recognition and oversight.

The Bill marks a significant step towards standardising HRM practices, strengthening accountability, and improving workforce management across Uganda, ensuring that the country’s human resource sector is professional, competent, and competitive.