ISSUE 73 | FEBRUARY 2025

AN OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FEDERATION OF UGANDA EMPLOYERS

FUENEWS

THE VOICE OF EMPLOYERS

FUE CEO MESSAGE

Dear Esteemed Member,

According to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census Report, 51% of Uganda’s youth aged 18-30 years are not in employment, education or training. These statistics are an indication of an underlying challenge of limited access to education, poverty and other pertinent issues. As the sole Employers’ organisation in Uganda, these numbers present an urgent need to promote job creation and entrepreneurship to curb the high rates of youth unemployment.

As a key stakeholder on labour and employment matters, FUE is working to alter the narrative through advocating and facilitating youth employability at national level. Through strategic partnerships, we promote graduate training programs, skills development, entrepreneurship and employment creation under the WRISE project, Tech@Work program in addition to capacity building programs to equip Employers. In our daily operations, we interface with various stakeholders including government, the private sector and business leaders to influence policy, revise the education curriculum and equip Technical Vocational, Education and Training (TVET) institutions with significant support to impart youths with employable skills for self-employment. Additionally, FUE ensures Employers actively participate in these initiatives including the Employer of the Year Award (EYA) Survey 2024 that aims to identify, rank, recognise and reward Employers fostering job creation to advance economic development.

In light of the above, we convened a CEO webinar in partnership with Uzima Ministries to discuss mentoring leaders in the new era of the Gen Zs. This was an enlightening session to highlight the challenges of the youth in employment and share practical solutions to boost the productivity of the future workforce to advance socio-economic transformation. We further conducted the FUE-CEO Breakfast Meeting for business leaders to deliberate on the power of business and trade associations to drive economic growth. These meetings are fundamental to create synergies and networks to advance employment creation, promote organisational growth and build strong entities contributing to the National Development Plan(NDP) and increasing the Gross Domestic Product(GDP) to compete favorably at global level.

Save the date for the FUE 46th Annual General Meeting slated for Friday 28th March 2025 from 8:00am(EAT) at Hotel Africana. This is an election year and you are encouraged to pay your FUE 2025 membership subscription to participate in the electoral process.

Thank you,
Together for Employers.

Douglas Opio

The Chief Executive Officer, FUE

CONTENTS

  • FUE CEO Message
  • The FUE-CEO Breakfast Meeting
  • Mentoring Leaders in the New Era
  • Navigating Complex Workplace Investigations Training
  • FUE and Kaka Ltd Partnership to Enhance Entrepreneurship through ILO Packages
  • Call for Applications ILO-SIYB Training of Trainers
  • Notice of the 46th AGM
  • Call for AGM Report Adverts
  • FUE Member Engagement
  • FUE Staff Commentary
  • Upcoming Events

1

THE FUE-CEO BREAKFAST MEETING

Over the years, trade and business have contributed to economic growth globally through innovation, technological advancement and employment creation. The FUE-CEO Breakfast Meeting was conducted on Friday 28th February 2025 at Golden Tulip Hotel themed, ‘Harnessing the Power of Business and Trade Associations to Drive Growth and Success’. Business leaders, CEOs and various dignitaries were in attendance.

The Former FUE Chairperson, Mr. Nicholas Okwir in his opening remarks reiterated policy issues being discussed at tripartite level such as social security, minimum wage & labour law compliance. He encouraged Employers to uphold decent work standards in daily work operations.

The keynote address delivered by Mr. Jonan Kisakye, the CEO, Uganda Insurers Association emphasised the benefits of harnessing business and trade associations to extensively train local players, adopt digital platforms, facilitate innovation and product development to enhance socio-economic development.

He highlighted the challenges of trade associations including high taxes, limited sources of revenue and retention of talent. Mr. Kisakye further shared practical solutions to eliminate these issues including strengthening partnerships with relevant stakeholders, demonstrating value for membership and operate within the confines of the law.

Its significant to note that business and trade associations drive economic growth by facilitating collaboration, knowledge sharing, advocacy, market research and networking opportunities among industry players.

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Mentoring Leaders in the New Era

According to statistics, Uganda’s population is mostly youth with over 83% below the age of 35 years. On Thursday 6th February, we convened the FUE-CEO webinar to discuss, ‘Mentoring Leaders in the New Era: Harnessing the Unique Qualities of Gen Zs’. The Guest Facilitator was Dr. Martin Ruhweza, the Executive Director, Uzima Ministries.

In his presentation, Dr. Ruhweza shared the key challenges of the Gen Zs including drug abuse, mental health challenges, high rates of unemployment, lack of work ethic and desire to get rich quick. He reiterated practical solutions to mitigate these challenges such as job creation initiatives, skills development, revamping the education curriculum and civic engagement. Dr. Ruhweza further highlighted the initiatives of Uzima ministries to support Gen Zs like workplace wellness programs, rehabilitation programs, raising awareness, community and school outreaches among others.

There is a lot of untapped potential to be discovered within the young population accelerated by liberal access to the internet and exposure to infinite information that can developed through mentorship programs to boost innovation and enhance productivity.

If you missed this training, click the link for a recap.


Recording Link

Passcode: U%80eTQy

NAVIGATING COMPLEX WORKPLACE INVESTIGATIONS TRAINING

In today’s dynamic workplace, handling employee grievances, misconduct, disciplinary issues and compliance concerns require a structured and legally sound approach. We conducted a General Training on, ‘Navigating Complex Workplace Investigations’ from 25th to 26th February 2025. Human Resource Practictioners, Legal Managers, Line Managers and Policy Makers were in attendance.

The training content addressed best practices for investigations, real-world cases studies, practical applications, legal and ethical considerations. Participants were enlightened on understanding the investigation framework, conducting effective investigations, gathering and documenting evidence, ensuring fairness and compliance as well as mitigating organisational risks. Additionally, there were discussions on conflict resolution skills, organisational integrity, enhanced compliance and risk management networking opportunities to benchmark practices.

A conducive work environment is key to enhance employer competitiveness and advance business growth. Employers are encouraged to promote good employment relations at the workplace.

For a customised training suited to your organisation needs, contact Yusuf Nsubuga, the Training Manager on yusuf.nsubuga@fuemployers.org | info@fuemployers.org

FUE AND KAKA LTD PARTNERSHIP TO ENHANCE ENTREPRENEURSHIP THROUGH ILO PACKAGES

The Federation of Uganda Employers Association (FUE), a partner organisation of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), is pleased to announce its partnership with KAKA Business Resource and Advisory Service Centre Ltd (KAKA Ltd) on the ILO-Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) program. This collaboration seeks to enhance entrepreneurship, job creation, and private sector growth in Uganda. To achieve this objective, the partnership will focus on creating a network of skilled and competent business development service providers (BDSP) to MSMEs, developed through a multiplier-effect trainer development strategy. The BDSP will be equipped with the capacity to train, coach, facilitate, and mentor MSMEs.

The ILO-SIYB program is a renowned global business management training programme that has empowered over 14.5 million entrepreneurs and generated more than 10 million jobs worldwide. In Uganda, the program has played a pivotal role in enhancing entrepreneurship and job creation, as evidenced by Tracy studies conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The collaboration will kick-start with a 10-day Training of Trainers (ToT) intervention in April 2025, led by at least two certified and active ILO Master Trainers. This initiative aims to develop a cadre of trained and certified ILO-SIYB trainers, equipped to deliver the program to entrepreneurs in Uganda and beyond. The training will cover three ILO-SIYB packages that include; Generate Your Business Idea (GYBI), Start Your Business (SYB), and Improve Your Business (IYB), as well as the ILO-SIYB training cycle and adult training skills.
Successful participants who complete the training cycle will be recognized globally through the ILO-SIYB Gateway, a platform where trainers and master trainers report their training activities and follow-up initiatives. Many benefits will accrue to successful participants, including global recognition, certification of competence, and access to exclusive training resources and manuals among others.

The collaboration between FUE and KAKA Ltd is a major step towards promoting entrepreneurship and private sector development in Uganda. The two organisations will leverage their expertise and resources to create a positive impact on Uganda’s economic growth and development.


CALL FOR APPLICATIONS ILO-SIYB TRAINING OF TRAINERS

Employers are called upon to apply for the International Labour Organisation – Start and Improve Your Business (ILO-SIYB) Training that will be conducted by FUE in partnership with ILO.

Training Dates: 17th to 26th April 2025

Venue: FUE Training Centre, Kiwanga-Namanve

Application Deadline: Friday 28th March 2025

Benefits

  1. Certificate of competence as SIYB trainer by ILO-SIYB
  2. Global recognition in the ILO-SIYB Gateway
  3. Access to training resources and tools
  4. Authorisation to conduct trainings of entrepreneurs
  5. Gain skills for implementing the ILO-SIYB training cycle
  6. Recommendation to training of master trainer program after successful certification

Requirements

  1. Privately sponsored: $460 seminar fee (TOT) + $275 follow-up support and mastery certification
  2. Computer literacy required
  3. Experience in training adults and entrepreneurs
  4. Experience in business development service provision
  5. Experience in running own business

Become a certified trainer for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises using ILO Materials for Business Management. Join us for a 10-day intensive training program and become a certified and active ILO-SIYB trainer.

To apply and confirm attendance contact info@fuemployers.org | 0392 777 410.

NOTICE OF THE 46TH AGM

All FUE members are hereby notified of the 46th Annual General Meeting(AGM) of the Federation of Uganda Employers slated for Friday 28th March 2025 from 08:30 am to 1:00pm (EAT) at Hotel Africana.

Members are therefore requested to ensure that your organisation is represented in PERSON or by PROXY. Attention is drawn to article 42, 2022 FUE Constitution regarding the appointment of a proxy to the AGM. Please submit the name, mobile telephone number and email address of the person who will represent your organisation to enable us send the relevant documents electronically.

This is an election year. Kindly ensure that your organisation’s subscription is paid before 24th March 2025. Attendance is open to all members but election of office bearers shall be open to only paid-up members in accordance to article 41, 2022 FUE Constitution.

The Meeting Agenda;

  1. Opening Prayer
  2. Adoption of the Agenda
  3. Confirmation of Minutes of the 45th Annual General Meeting
  4. Consideration of Reports and Matters Arising
  5. Considering and Approving Audited Accounts for the year ending 31/12/2024
  6. Appointment of Auditors, 2025
  7. Adoption of FUE Workplan and Budget, 2025
  8. Receiving and Approving FUE Annual Report, 2024
  9. Election of Office Bearers
  10. Closing Remarks

In regard to agenda item no. 9, the following offices shall be up for election;

  1. Chairperson
  2. Vice Chairperson
  3. Platinum category   3 members
  4. Gold category           2 members
  5. Silver category          3 members
  6. Bronze category       1 member
  7. Zinc category            1 member

The following documents are attached for your attention:
1. Proxy Form
2. 2022 FUE Constitution (particularly articles 16, 27, 28, 41, Appendix I)

For inquiries, contact info@fuemployers.org | 0392777410.

Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha
CHAIRPERSON

CALL FOR AGM REPORT ADVERTS

The FUE-AGM Report is rolled out annually to provide a detailed accountability of achievements, events and projects within a given year.

We implore Employers to seize the invaluable opportunity to advertise in the AGM report at affordable rates with accruing benefits including increased visibility, brand amplification and exposure to a wide local and international audience of business professionals.

Advert Rates;
Front and Back Cover: UGX. 3.5 million
Full Page: UGX. 3 million
Half Page: UGX. 2 million

For advert placement and inquiries, contact info@fuemployers.org | 0392 777 410.

FUE MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

We were delighted to pay a courtesy visit to our esteemed member, Uganda Insurers Association(UIA) to discuss pertinent issues and areas of collaboration to support the insurance sector thrive in the evolving labour market. UIA’s mission is to promote best practices and the highest standards within the Ugandan insurance sector whilst safeguarding the consumers’ best interests. FUE is proudly associated!

If you are not yet an FUE member, reach out to info@fuemployers.org | 0392 777 410.

Remember, ‘Every Good Employer is a member of the Federation of Uganda Employers’.

FUE STAFF COMMENTARY

THE GOLDEN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL – SDG 17

2025 is surely a year that seemed so far off, let’s take a moment to reflect on how we spoke of 2025 in say, 2019, It truly felt like a long way ahead, one thing is for sure, the phrase time flies has never felt more real. The biggest shock is not really how fast we got here, but more in questioning how far we have come in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This year is significant in discussions around the achieving the SDGs majorly because, some SDG targets have specific deadlines for 2025, such as SDG target 6.3 and 6.6 under, SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, targets 14.1,14.2,14.4,14.5 under SDG 14 – Life Below Water and target 15.2 under SDG 15 – Life on Land. Needless to say, these targets speak to climate action, conservation, and the urgency of tackling environmental degradation before the broader deadline set for 2030.

Speaking of the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, 2023 marked the mid-point since the setting of the SDG global agenda in 2015. But as we all know, just before this mid-point milestone, the COVID-19 pandemic struck and unfortunately stalled the progress made towards achieving the SDGs. The UN Global Sustainability Report, 2023 revealed that only 15% of the SDG targets were on track, while many were off course and in regression.

Before the pandemic, significant progress was registered toward achieving some of the global goals; I will point out a few, starting with SDG 1 which addresses Poverty. According to the World Bank’s Poverty and Shared Prosperity Report, 2020 global extreme poverty decreased from 10% in 2015 to 8.6% in 2018. Looking also at SDG 3, which tackles Good Health and Wellbeing, according to UNICEF, there was a 60% reduction in the global under-five mortality rate from the year 1990 to 2019 and a general increase in access to essential healthcare services. In terms of achieving gender parity under SDG 5, there was an increase in political participation of women globally from 22.3% in 2015 to 24.9% in 2018. Looking, in line with economic growth, under SDG 8, the UN Sustainable Development Goals Report, 2019 indicated that the global GDP per capita grew by 2% in 2018. World Bank reports in 2019 also noted steady economies, a general improvement in labour productivity and job creation. It is interesting to imagine that perhaps at the time, we may have not appreciated some of this remarkable progress made toward achieving a sustainable future. This is yet another lesson for us all, we need to savour every milestone.

Now circling back as earlier mentioned, challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the post-pandemic effects, global conflict, displacement, and natural disasters have caused significant global development setbacks. Over 100 million people slipped back into extreme poverty in 2021. Further, on the economic front, global GDP shrank by 3.4% in 2020, erasing years of job creation. The global gender gap index declined from 69.5% in 2019 to 68.5% in 2024 as per the Global Gender Gap Report, 2024. And forced displacement is on the rise, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), reported nearly 123 million individuals were displaced by the end of June 2024 due to the ongoing global conflict.

Now while these indicators are alarming, not all hope is lost. Just as James Clear states “We should be far more concerned with our current trajectory than with our current results.” Amidst so much chaos and disappointment one thing has become evident, and that is, the value of sticking together. Communities, countries, regions, continents, and sectors saw the need to collaborate, and to me, this shone a light on SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. While recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges, SDG 17 has been the backbone of the global development community, it is clear now more than ever that collaboration is the best and most sustainable way forward to achieving the SDGs.

Let’s take for instance the Private Sector’s involvement in SDGs, which primarily stems from the global communities’ realisation that acceleration of progress on the SDGs requires all-hands-on-deck. Governments and Civil Society alone cannot make the required progress. Through sharing best practices, bridging financing gaps, and promoting accountability in value chain sustainability and ethical standards, collaboration with the private sector has built significant innovation capacity, reshaped perspectives, and forged new narratives for sustainable development on a broader scale. This is just one instance of how partnerships are building firm foundations and moving us in the right direction. However, more than anything else, SDG 17 has made the world even smaller with the formation of cross-continent economic blocks such as BRICS.

One of my favourite aspects of SDG17 is the fact that it provides a unique opportunity for us to ‘leave no one behind’ through inclusive dialogues. Having the voices of marginalized groups and smaller states heard as well as recognising the value of diverse expertise at the global table is what the world needs for progress.

With only four years to go to the 2030 SDG deadline and the global challenges still at hand, I truly believe that these barriers to achieving the SDGs are teaching us the greatest lesson of all which is, to be empathetic, collaborative, resourceful, and passionate together.

Better days are ahead and we can achieve far more than the targets set as a unified force.

Let’s Partner for the Goals!

By Beatrice Mujuni
Policy Advocacy and Communications Specialist

UPCOMING EVENTS

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