Workers MPs, organisations push for separate workers ministry

The presence of the ministry will enhance workers welfare, according to Rukiga County MP Roland Ndyomugyenyi, who was addressing at a news conference at the forum's introduction.

“Since the passing of the late Charles Engola, we would like to propose that the President designate a labour minister immediately. The government receives a lot of money from the workers, thus there is a need for a distinct ministry,” Ndyomugyenyi said, adding that who noted that the workers face numerous difficulties.

The vice chairperson of parliamentary forum on labour, Decent Employment, and Productivity who also doubles as the workers MP, Margaret Namubiru Rwabushaija, noted that the Ministry of Gender now houses a variety of groups and might not be able to properly address the concerns of workers.

She said, “Many laws still need to be changed, which is why this forum is here.”

The MPs thanked the Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, and the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, for assisting them in the forum.

Labour rights groups pressed the government to show proof that a working minimum wage policy deters foreign investment into a nation in May of this year. Since the last review, which established sh6,000 as the minimum salary for workers in Uganda approximately 40 years ago, this has been the primary justification for the government's failure to review the law establishing the minimum wage.

On October 11, 2021, the parliamentary forum on labour, Decent Employment, and Productivity was incorporated and registered.

Through effective stakeholder engagement, legislation, and monitoring, it was created with the primary purpose of advocating and promoting the role of decent job options and productive labour in attaining sustainable wealth development. The parliamentary conference on labour, decent employment, and productivity is scheduled to have its official debut tomorrow at the Imperial Royale Hotel.