Lira | In 2017, the Federation of Uganda Employers and the International Labour Organization honored Eddy Morris Ogweng as the best young employer.
He spoke with tndNews about the labor situation in Uganda following the recently concluded Labor Day celebrations on May 1, 2025.
Ogweng identified several key challenges, including low earnings. He stated that out of approximately 22.8 million adults of working age, 51% earn an average of shs100,000 per month, with women earning the least.
“We should attract investors, industrialize, and encourage private sector growth to create more employment opportunities like other countries,” Ogweng said.
He stated that creating job opportunities can improve the wage bill or payments to employees, including other benefits.
He cited Luxembourg as an example of a country at the top of the world with a high minimum wage, with an average monthly pay of more than $300.
Morocco and South Africa, among other African countries, have average pay, according to Ogweng.
He supports President Yoweri Museveni’s decision not to sign the 2015 Minimum Wage Bill, citing concerns that it would suffocate business operations and lead to unemployment.
He emphasizes the importance of creating jobs before enacting a minimum wage bill.
“Uganda can’t sustain the minimum wage bill because it will suffocate the operationalization of business as it can dictate the amount to be paid to employees and some institutions or organizations in the country Uganda may not manage,” he said.
The entrepreneur-turned-politician advises Lira City and Lango residents to embrace industrialization and private investment in order to create jobs and encourage self-employment.
He also emphasizes the importance of having leaders who are creative in their approaches to job creation and self-employment.
So, who is Ogweng?
He lives in Lira City and has entered the race to be the General Secretary of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for Lira City.
Ogweng says he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, having worked in international development, humanitarian aid, and rural reconstruction for over 13 years.
He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Psychology from Makerere University, an International Certificate in Mental Health in Complex Emergencies from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and a Fordham University.
He holds a Master’s Degree in International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid from the Kalu Institute in Spain.
Additionally, Ogweng holds a Master’s Degree in International Development from Nexus International University.
He collaborated with reputable organizations like Food for the Hungry International and the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction.
He worked as a consultant for several government agencies, providing innovative development solutions to rural communities.
Recommendation
Uganda’s best farmer 2015, as awarded by the Netherlands Embassy
Uganda’s best young employer in 2017, as awarded by the Federation of Uganda Employers and the International Labour Organization.
Recognized among Uganda’s top 40 men under 40.
Ogweng’s vision as NRM General Secretary
Ogweng told this publication that his goal is to strengthen the link between Lira City and the national NRM Secretariat by fostering cohesion among party organs.
He intends to strengthen the implementation of NRM policies at both the local and national levels.
Participate actively in the political, economic, and social agenda of the party to encourage grassroots mobilization.
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