DECENT WORK TAKES CENTRE STAGE AS KCCA MARKS BELATED LABOUR DAY

Decent work took centre stage on May 30, as Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) held a belated Labour Day celebration, calling for stronger protections for workers and more inclusive economic opportunities across the city.

The event, hosted at the KCCA City Hall Upper Gardens, brought together key stakeholders from government, labour unions, and the private sector under the theme: “Promoting Decent Work, Economic Empowerment through the Parish Development Model (PDM), and Strengthening Compliance to Labour Laws and Standards.”

Justice Linda Lilian Tumusiime Mugisha, Head of the Industrial Court and Chief Guest, described decent work as essential for human dignity and national progress. She warned against increasing cases of unfair dismissal, unsafe workplaces, and exploitation, particularly in informal urban sectors.

“Work is central to human dignity and survival. We must eliminate discrimination, end child labour, ensure social protection, and provide workers with the right tools to defend their rights,” said Justice Mugisha. “Decent work is not a luxury, it is a right.”

KCCA’s Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi, reiterated the authority’s commitment to improving working conditions in the city.

“Decent work is a priority for us, not only within KCCA but across the city. Kampala is the economic engine of Uganda, and we must ensure that all who work here are treated with dignity,” Kigenyi said.

Kigenyi added that labour inspections by KCCA have shown progress, with more employers making efforts to provide safe and respectful working conditions.

“We have made strides through workplace inspections and compliance initiatives, but more must be done to ensure fair pay, job security, and social protection.” Kigenyi said.

On his part, Apollo Onzoma, Apollo Onzoma, the Assistant Commissioner of Industrial Relations at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, described Uganda’s current unemployment rate as alarming. He noted that over four million young Ugandans are not engaged in education, employment, or training.

“This is why programmes like the Parish Development Model are critical,” Onzoma said. “However, without decent work structures, the goals of PDM will not be achieved. We must build strong, safe, and fair workplaces that allow our people to be productive and empowered.”

KCCA's Director for Gender, Production, and Community Services, Sheila Birungi Gandi, stressed the importance of enforcing labour laws through regular workplace inspections and awareness campaigns.

“We are working to strengthen compliance with both national and international labour standards,” she said. “Our goal is to ensure workplaces are safe, equitable, and productive for everyone.”

The event ended with cutting of the cake and a tribute to all workers across the city, applauding their resilience and dedication to Kampala’s growth.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer