President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has signaled potential major reforms in Uganda’s labour sector, including a review of the minimum wage, the elimination of casual labour, and tighter regulation of employment agencies.
Speaking during this year’s International Labour Day celebrations at Nakaale Grounds in Nakapiripirit District, President Museveni said the government is preparing to engage more deeply on these critical issues.
The event was held under the theme: “Consolidating on the Gains of the Parish Development Model (PDM) for Increased Productivity and Inclusive Job Creation.”
Museveni revealed that the Cabinet will revisit these matters in June 2025 to explore practical, sector-based solutions.
“I had a discussion with workers yesterday at State House, Entebbe. We talked about the minimum wage, the tripartite arrangement, and the issue of casual labour,” he said. “We shall discuss further in Cabinet this June. We are also going to examine employment agencies that exploit workers by acting as middlemen between them and employers.”
The President stressed the importance of a consultative and realistic approach.
“We must deal with issues as they are. Addressing challenges sector by sector is more practical,” he said.
He also criticized the practice of employing foreign labour in areas where Ugandans are qualified.
“Why should foreign companies import workers when Ugandans can do the jobs?” he asked, promising scrutiny of institutions that prioritize foreign over local labour
President Museveni reiterated the government’s commitment to fighting unemployment through increased job creation, especially in the private sector.
He cited data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS):
- 1.4 million workers are in factories
- 3.6 million are employed in agriculture
- 5 million in services
- 46,000 in ICT
- 480,000 in the public sector
“Clearly, the majority of jobs are in the private sector—and we are just beginning,” he said.
Museveni emphasized that true job creation is rooted in wealth creation. He pointed to small-scale entrepreneurs empowered through the PDM as examples of sustainable livelihood generation.
“In Fort Portal, a man named Nyakana started making animal feeds on 1.2 acres. He now employs 15 people. Another person here in Nakapiripirit used PDM money to grow green grams, sold them, and bought pigs. He now has 35 pigs and is self-employed,” Museveni said.
He added: “Jobs stem from wealth. That is why we’re investing in affordable electricity, rail transport, low-interest credit via UDB and PDM, and cheaper internet—to support wealth creators.
The President also praised the growing peace and development in Karamoja and condemned cattle rustling.
“You say you love cows, but you steal them. A real cattle lover like me doesn’t steal—not just for moral reasons, but because I won’t risk bringing a sick cow into my herd,” he quipped.
Museveni urged Ugandans, especially workers, to embrace patriotism and Pan-Africanism.
“Factories and jobs mean nothing without a market. That’s why you must love Uganda, love Africa. Our internal market isn’t enough. We need East Africa and beyond,” he said.
He concluded by congratulating workers and thanking them for their continued support
Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi, acknowledged the importance of protecting workers’ rights.
“Today we recognize the vital role workers play in our economy. We are also reflecting on current challenges and recommitting to improving employment practices,” she said.
She highlighted that 73% of Uganda’s labour force is under the age of 30, according to the 2024 UBOS Census.
“This youthful population presents immense opportunities to build a dynamic, productive labour force,” she added.
Hon. Esther Anyakun, Minister of State for Labour, requested continued support for implementing the 3rd Decent Work Country Program, which focuses on improving working conditions and labour productivity.
Mr. John Oketcho, Chairman General of the Central Organization of Free Trade Unions (COFTU), thanked the President for his commitment to workers and praised the PDM initiative.
“The PDM is a thoughtful approach to fighting poverty,” he said.
Mr. Fred Bamwesigye, Chairperson of the Uganda Federation of Employers, commended the NRM government’s economic management.
“Uganda’s inflation has remained stable, and GDP is expected to grow by over 7%—a remarkable achievement by global standards,” he said.
- 61 individuals were awarded medals for outstanding contributions to national development.
- The Third Decent Work Country Program (2025/26–2029/30) was launched.
- The President also commissioned a new Labour Market Information System and Digital Job Matching platform.
Dignitaries in attendance included the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, various ministers, MPs, and members of the diplomatic corps.
