news 28 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Leaders Warn of Workplace Hazards Ahead of Labour Day
Government, private sector, and UN officials are urging urgent action on unsafe workplaces amid rising abuse cases, as highlighted in a Kampala dialogue. They stress the need for better enforcement and collaboration to protect workers, especially in informal sectors. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/leaders-raise-alarm-over-unsafe-workplaces-ahead-of-labour-day-5440008
Leaders from Uganda’s government, private sector, and the United Nations have called for immediate steps to address ongoing workplace safety risks. The push came at a Private Sector Dialogue on safe and respectful workplaces held on April 27, 2026, at Sheraton Hotel Kampala, just before International Labour Day.
UNAIDS Country Director Jacqueline Makokha, representing the UN Resident Coordinator, emphasized that unsafe environments harm worker dignity, productivity, and national growth. She pointed to evolving work trends like digitalisation introducing new violence risks, with global figures showing one in five workers affected, particularly women.
Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) Vice Chairperson Sarah Kagingo highlighted labour market shifts from AI and platform economies. Citing ILO data, over one in five workers face harassment globally, while Uganda Bureau of Statistics reports 84% of local cases involve verbal abuse. With 7.1 million of 9.3 million workers in vulnerable informal sectors, mostly women, she noted PSFU’s efforts like Gender Equality Seals for 90 companies via UNDP and survivor support with UNFPA.
Keynote speaker Mona Muguma of aBi Finance stressed shared responsibility, estimating gender-based violence costs Uganda Shs3.76 trillion yearly, or 2.76% of GDP. She urged men to join in creating inclusive systems.
Ministry of Gender Commissioner Angela Nakafeero revealed a World Bank survey showing 84% of Ugandans face workplace abuse, with 86% exposed to violence across sectors. Despite laws like the Employment Act and ILO Convention 190, enforcement lags, compounded by underreporting due to stigma.
The event, hosted by PSFU, Ministry of Gender, UN Women, and UNFPA, included manufacturers and financial firms. Attendees committed to enhanced government-private sector ties and labour inspections.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)