Workers’ union renews pact to strengthen labour protections

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Members of the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union (ATGWU) have renewed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with informal and formal sector workers’ associations.

The national chairman of ATGWU, Dennis Olooro, expressed joy after 23 workers’ associations signed the MOU to protect workers’ welfare.

Olooro made the remarks during the signing of the MOU at Rehoboth Hotel, Lweza Kajjansi in Wakiso district on April 2, 2026.

He said that apart from Nigeria, which has the largest number of memberships, ATGWU has more members than any other union in the country.

Olooro added that they have renewed their commitment to ensure workers operate in a conducive and safe environment, and to enable negotiations with employers for better remuneration.

He noted that such MOUs help unions work with employers without workers resorting to strikes, which can disrupt work and lead to loss of property.

“In the informal sector, we have the taxi drivers, conductors, markets and a number of associations, general workers, boda- bodas, and platform riders. In the meeting were energised members through the s strategic plans ATGWU is using as a working document launched last year,” he asserted.

He explained that members were guided on their roles within the union’s structure, which includes three committees: aviation workers, private security, and the informal sector committee known as the road sector committee.

He added that although the informal sector is the backbone of the economy, it operates within structured arrangements that require coordination.

Challenges and Outlook

Olooro also highlighted challenges in the transport sector, including traffic regulations such as express penalties, and noted that platform riders were affected when the internet was switched off during recent elections.

During the meeting, emeritus chairman general of the National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU), Usher Owere, was elected to chair the new informal sector committee comprising seven members.

Owere said they will work to strengthen the union through massive recruitment and improved organisation.

He noted that ATGWU traces its roots to the Uganda Motor Drivers Association, the first labour organisation formed in Uganda during the colonial government in 1938.

He added that the union will continue organising and facilitating workshops to train shop stewards and workplace representatives on trade union rights, enabling laws, the legislative process, organising, collective bargaining, and negotiation skills.

“We shall ensure to coordinate various project committees for effective implementation of the selected project activities to achieve project goals and outcomes. Support the creation and maintenance of alliances between unions, civil society organisations, and other relevant actors,” he said.

Jane Atoo, acting secretary general of ATGWU, said the renewed partnership was a positive step, noting that some members who had previously left had returned and signed the agreement.

“We depend on membership contributions and do not have any other income to run the activities of the Union. We rely on the Union dues, and during the gathering, members were taken through our five-year strategic plan and the one of 25 years we agreed to work together,” Atoo said.

She added that increasing membership strengthens bargaining power and helps secure better working conditions and salaries during negotiations with employers.