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During the International Labour Day celebrations in Nakapiripirit District, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni outlined significant reforms aimed at improving Uganda’s labour sector. The proposed changes include the introduction of a national minimum wage, the reduction of casual labour, and stricter regulations for employment agencies.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has indicated that significant reforms may soon be implemented in Uganda’s labour sector. Speaking during the International Labour Day celebrations held on Thursday at Nakaale Grounds in Nakapiripirit District, Karamoja region, the President highlighted several pressing labour issues that the government is preparing to address.

Among the key reforms under consideration are the introduction of a national minimum wage, the gradual elimination of casual labour, and the enforcement of stricter regulations governing employment agencies. President Museveni emphasized the need for deeper engagement and policy adjustments to improve labour standards and protect workers’ rights across the country.

The event was held under the theme “Consolidating on the Gains of the Parish Development Model (PDM) for Increased Productivity and Inclusive Job Creation.”

President Museveni assured workers that the Cabinet would revisit key labour issues in June this year, aiming to explore practical, sector-specific solutions.

“Just yesterday, I held a discussion with workers at State House in Entebbe,” he said. “We addressed topics such as the establishment of a minimum wage, the tripartite arrangement, and the continued use of casual labour.”

President Museveni stated that further discussions would take place in the Cabinet this June, particularly focusing on employment agencies that exploit workers by acting as intermediaries between them and potential employers.

He emphasized that the reform process would be guided by a consultative and pragmatic approach.

“We need to address these issues as they are. The strategy we discussed—tackling challenges sector by sector—is more practical and achievable,” the President noted.

He also expressed concern over the continued reliance on foreign labour in areas where qualified Ugandans are available, calling for greater prioritization of local talent.

“Why should foreign companies import workers when Ugandans are fully capable of doing the same jobs?” the President questioned. He pledged that the government would closely examine institutions that have consistently favored foreign labour over employing qualified Ugandans.

On the issue of job creation, President Museveni reaffirmed the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s commitment to tackling unemployment by generating more employment opportunities for Ugandans.

“Currently, according to data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), there are 1.4 million people employed in the manufacturing sector, 3.6 million in agriculture, five million in the services sector, and 46,000 in ICT. Meanwhile, public service jobs account for 480,000 positions,” he noted.

President Museveni emphasized that the majority of employment opportunities lie within the private sector, noting, “The number of jobs in the private sector far exceeds those in the public sector—and this is just the beginning.”

He further explained that genuine job creation is rooted in wealth generation, not merely in seeking traditional employment.

Citing success stories from the Parish Development Model (PDM), he illustrated how small-scale entrepreneurship is already transforming lives.

“In Fort Portal, a man named Nyakana began producing animal feeds on just 1.2 acres of land and now employs 15 people,” the president shared. “Here in Nakapiripirit, another individual used PDM funds to grow green grams. After selling them, he bought pigs and now owns 35—he’s created his own employment.”

President Museveni underscored the fundamental link between wealth creation and employment, stating that jobs cannot exist without wealth—regardless of whether it is generated by the government or the private sector.

“Wealth must come first, because jobs are a product of wealth,” he explained. “That’s why we’re prioritizing investments in low-cost electricity, improved transport infrastructure such as railways, affordable financing through the Uganda Development Bank (UDB) and the Parish Development Model (PDM), as well as cheaper internet—to empower wealth creators.”

The President also commended the ongoing peace and development in the Karamoja region, while condemning cattle rustlers as obstacles to progress.

“You claim to love cattle, yet you steal them,” he remarked. “A true cattle enthusiast, like myself, doesn’t steal—not just for moral reasons, but because introducing a potentially diseased animal into my herd would be too risky.”

He called on all Ugandans—particularly workers—to embrace the values of patriotism and Pan-Africanism.

“Factories and jobs are meaningless without access to markets,” he said. “That’s why it’s important to love Uganda and love Africa. Our domestic market alone isn’t sufficient—we need the wider East African and continental market.”

The president concluded his address by extending heartfelt congratulations to all workers and expressing gratitude for their ongoing support and dedication.

The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi, emphasized that Uganda’s labour force remains the cornerstone of the national economy.

“Today, we recognize the vital importance of promoting and safeguarding workers’ rights,” she stated. “We are taking stock of the ongoing challenges, identifying future opportunities, and reaffirming our commitment to implementing employment practices that foster productive and decent work.”

Hon. Amongi also highlighted the demographic strength of Uganda’s labour force, noting that, according to the 2024 Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Census, 73 percent of the workforce is under the age of 30.

“This youthful population, Your Excellency, represents a significant opportunity to develop a dynamic and productive workforce,” she said.

The Minister of State for Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations, Hon. Esther Anyakun, appealed to President Museveni for continued support in rolling out the Third Decent Work Country Programme.

“This program is essential for improving working conditions and enhancing labour productivity across the country,” she remarked.

Appreciation from Labour Representatives and Employers

Speaking on behalf of workers, John Oketcho, Chairman General of the Central Organization of Free Trade Unions (COFTU), expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his enduring support to workers and all Ugandans.

“We are grateful for your leadership and your unwavering contribution to Uganda’s development,” Oketcho said, also commending the President for championing the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a key strategy in combating poverty.

“We recognize the PDM as a well-conceived approach to empowering communities and transforming livelihoods,” he added.

Fred Bamwesigye, Chairperson of the Uganda Federation of Employers, praised the NRM government for its role in stabilizing and advancing the economy.

“Your Excellency, the numbers speak for themselves. Uganda’s inflation has remained comparatively stable, and our GDP is projected to grow by over 7 percent—an impressive figure by global standards,” he noted.

Honoring National Contributors and Launching New Initiatives

During the event, 61 individuals were honored with medals for their outstanding contributions to Uganda’s development.

President Museveni also officially launched the Third Decent Work Country Programme (2025/26–2029/30)—a strategic framework focused on employment promotion, protection of workers’ rights, and advancing social dialogue in the labour sector.

Additionally, he commissioned two major digital platforms: the Labour Market Information System and the Digital Job Matching System, aimed at improving access to employment opportunities and better aligning workforce skills with market demand.