Museveni Signs New Labour Law but Minimum Wage Remains Elusive

President Museveni's assent to the Employment (Amendment) Act, 2025, marks a significant step forward in strengthening worker protections across Uganda. This legislation brings crucial updates to our labor laws, particularly by formally recognizing domestic workers and introducing much-needed safeguards against exploitation, forced labor, and abuse within private households. Furthermore, it tightens the regulation of recruitment agencies, ensuring better protection for migrant workers through licensing and enforceable contracts. These are vital reforms that address long-standing gaps and uphold the dignity of our workforce.

However, as this new law takes effect, a critical issue remains conspicuously absent: a national minimum wage. For years, labor unions and civil society organizations have tirelessly advocated for a minimum wage that reflects the cost of living and ensures fair compensation for all Ugandans. The absence of such a provision leaves wages largely at the mercy of market forces, contributing to widespread underpayment, especially in the informal and low-income sectors. This is a pressing concern for countless workers who struggle to make ends meet despite their hard work.

While we celebrate the advancements in worker protections, including improved conditions for breastfeeding mothers, clearer terms for casual workers, and expanded provisions against sexual harassment, the failure to address the minimum wage leaves a significant void. This amended Act, which underwent parliamentary reconsideration based on presidential recommendations, demonstrates a commitment to aligning our laws with international standards. Yet, the persistent elusiveness of a national minimum wage means that the promise of fair compensation for all remains unfulfilled. Our workers deserve more than just protections; they deserve a wage that allows them to live with dignity.