Government Issues Stern Warning to Employers on Labor Exploitation
By The Public Lens
Ugandan government has taken a firm stance against labor exploitation, cautioning employers to treat their workers fairly or face consequences.
This warning was issued by Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development Betty Amongi at the 6th Annual Symposium on Businesses and Human Rights in Uganda, held at Kampala’s Sheraton Hotel on November 4th, 2024.
Minister Amongi emphasized that labor exploitation has led to low human capital in Uganda, undermining the country’s socio-economic development.
She highlighted various forms of exploitation, including unfair dismissals, unwarranted demotions, schedule changes without notice, harassment, and lack of contracts.
“Some employers exploit their employees in different ways,” Amongi noted. “Some fire their workers without prior warnings, get uncalled-for demotions, change work schedules without informing the employee, harass mostly women, and have no contracts. The majority of employees in the Mukono industrial area work with no contracts. We strongly caution employers against this kind of human rights abuse.”
Uganda has adapted the National Action Plan (NAP) on businesses and human rights, aligning with the United Nations’ guiding principles on responsible business.
This move aims to ensure human rights are upheld in Ugandan businesses.
“The embassy has gone ahead to fund gatherings and symposiums like this to capacity building on human rights in businesses,” Amongi stated.
The 6th Annual Symposium 2024 focuses on the opportunities business enterprises bring to human rights, exploring the theme “Emerging Voluntary and Mandatory Frameworks: Strengthening Responsible Business Conduct in Uganda.”
This initiative is part of Uganda’s efforts to address labor exploitation, which is a significant concern globally, affecting millions of people, including children, who are forced to work through deception, coercion, and abuse of legal processes
