Kampala I Industrial Court is responsible for promoting positive workplace relations and arbitrating workplace conflict by providing a forum for impartial resolutions of labour complaints.
The court was established in Uganda under the Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act 2006 (Cap. 224). While this court remains the best option for the aggrieved workforce, some political establishments are concerned about its operations and funding.
On Wednesday, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party recommended that the industrial court, which is in charge of handling worker cases, be well-facilitated.
The Congress also recommended adequate court staffing to ensure efficiency and effectiveness with no backlog of cases.
“If fully adhered to, it meets the demands of the theme for International Labour Day: “Improving access to labour justice; a prerequisite for increased productivity.”
“UPC has noted with concern that most of our employees in the labour force are treated as casual workers. Such a status of casual worker cannot lead to increased productivity and gainful income,” said Arach Oyat Sharon, the party spokesperson.
Arach went on to say that the majority of our employees are unaware of their rights, and that when they retire from active service, they face the challenge of old age without a social security fund, as only 14.5% of our employers pay the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) for their employees (National Labour Force Survey, 2021).
“We need to re address this challenge by seeking labour justice that can help in formal appointments with agreed terms and conditions of service. UPC believes that if we can observe social, economic, and labour justice, we will achieve high productivity.
The question of accelerating massive youth unemployment reflects the country’s failure to progress towards desired prosperity, she added. “The initiated poverty eradication programs for the youths seem not to be playing any magic. This needs to be addressed seriously.”
Uganda will celebrate International Labour Day on Wednesday, May 1, alongside the rest of the world. The national commemoration will take place at Mukabura Grounds in Fort Portal City.
The opposition party, UPC, is not pleased with the theme. “UPC believes that the theme can only make sense when we pay strict observance to labour standards, laws and justice in all working environments as well as ensuring harmonious labour relationship between the employer and employee. This can effectively facilitate efficiency and productivity at work.
“However, the reality on the ground is totally different. Workers are starved for labour, social, and economic justice, according to Arach, who added, “Our workplaces must advance the principles of equity, respect for rights, fairness, and dignity of workers, as well as access to resources.”
“At the height of violation of worker’s rights such as long working hours with low wages, lack of personal protective gears, and taking months without pay, among other conditions of service, [UPC] government used to make on spot checks to factories and bring culprits to book.
“This speaks to why the majority of the employers are not very much comfortable with having workers who are members of trade unions. The party urges both the government and social partners to fulfil their obligations and ensure that all workers get justice at work.”
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