The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Aggrey David Kibenge, has called for collective action among Government, employers, workers’ organisations and development partners to promote decent and productive employment in Uganda.
Kibenge made the call while chairing the inaugural meeting of the National Steering Committee for the Decent Work Country Programme III (DWCP III) in Entebbe.
He emphasised the need to translate the concept of decent work into practical interventions that can be clearly understood and experienced by employers and workers across the country.
“Our strength lies in the principle of tripartism, which we must continue to guard jealously. Decent work cannot be delivered by Government alone; it requires employers who invest in decent working conditions and workers’ organisations that give voice to the workforce,” Kibenge said.
He pledged to provide impartial leadership to the National Steering Committee while ensuring inclusive participation and consensus-building in guiding the implementation of the programme.
The DWCP III provides an integrated framework through which Government, employers’ and workers’ organisations, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other development partners will work together to advance Uganda’s decent work agenda.
The programme is designed to mobilise expertise, partnerships and resources to promote productive employment, strengthen social protection, uphold fundamental principles and rights at work, and enhance social dialogue.
Kibenge said the programme is built around four key pillars: employment creation, rights at work, social protection and social dialogue.
“These speak directly to the realities of Ugandan workers in our factories, our farms, our markets and, increasingly, the digital and platform economy,” he said.
The DWCP III is aligned with Uganda’s national development priorities under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and supports Government efforts to promote productive employment, industrialisation, inclusive growth and improved working conditions.
Presenting the draft DWCP III Implementation Plan, Martha Irankunda from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development said the plan is intended to provide a coordinated, efficient and accountable framework for translating the programme’s commitments into concrete interventions and measurable results.
She said the overarching goal of DWCP III is to promote productive, inclusive and sustainable employment and livelihood opportunities for all Ugandans.
The National Steering Committee brings together representatives from Government ministries, departments and agencies, employers’ and workers’ organisations, the ILO and development partners.
The committee will provide strategic oversight and coordinate implementation of the programme while promoting joint action towards achieving Uganda’s decent work priorities.
