ISSUE 76 | MAY 2025

AN OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FEDERATION OF UGANDA EMPLOYERS

FUENEWS

THE VOICE OF EMPLOYERS

FUE CEO MESSAGE

Dear Esteemed Member,

Globally, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) is the authoritative framework for states and businesses in relation to preventing the adverse impacts on human rights arising from business activities. The forum provides a unique multi-stakeholder platform for discussing key trends and challenges in implementing and advancing the UNGPs. The UNGPs were endorsed by the UN Human Rights Council in June 2011. The UNGPs introduce a three pillar framework of Protect,

Respect and Remedy reinforcing the state duty to protect human rights, the corporate responsibility to respect human rights and access by victims of corporate abuse and violations to an effective remedy.

In 2021, Uganda launched its National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights(BHR). The NAP aims to harness business potential while ensuring human dignity for affected communities promoting a harmonious relationship between businesses and communities. It further seeks to strengthen the regulatory environment and ensure that businesses comply with human rights standards and provide remedies for abuses.

In light of the above, we partnered with Enabel and other stakeholders to conduct an enlightening webinar on, ‘The Business Case for Human Rights’ to foster good employment relations at the workplace. This webinar is an integral part of the Advancing Respect for Human Rights by Businesses in Uganda project to enhance awareness and engagement of businesses on the human rights agenda in Uganda. In addition, FUE staff participated in a Training of Trainers (TOT) to gain valuable insights and capacity to promote BHR at the workplace. These engagements are instrumental to create a conducive business environment promoting decent work in the course of work operations to boost sustainable development. We look forward to fruitful collaborations with relevant stakeholders to advance the Employers’ fraternity.

Furthermore, we joined in the International Labour Day celebrations convened annually to celebrate the entire workforce for their contribution to national development. The FUE delegation was led by Mr. Fred Bamwesigye, the Governing Council Chairperson. At the commemoration event, I was delighted to receive the National Independence Medal with other medalists including the Former FUE Chairperson, Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha among others. We appreciate Employers that have played an influential role in enhancing job creation, offering graduate training opportunities and work readiness programs at national level. We applaud the government and tripartite partners for influencing policy formulation, establishing partnerships and championing initiatives that have been significant to transform communities, improve livelihoods and contribute to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Let’s keep flying the Employers’ flag high!

Thank you,
Together for Employers.

Douglas Opio

The Chief Executive Officer, FUE

CONTENTS

• FUE CEO Message
• The FUE-CEO Breakfast Meeting
• FUE Conducts Soft Skills Training for WRISE Project Participants
• The Business Case for Human Rights
• The Working Group for Empowerment of Returnee Migrant Domestic Workers
• International Labour Day
• World Day for Safety and Health 2025
• Industrial Court Case Summary
• FUE Member Engagement
• Call for Applications
• FUE Staff Commentary
• Upcoming Events

THE FUE-CEO BREAKFAST MEETING

The FUE-CEO Breakfast Meeting is a high-level engagement convened annually to provide business leaders with valuable insights and practical skills to build strong entities. On May 30th, we convened the meeting themed, ‘Leading with Impact: Strategic Communication as the CEO’s Essential Tool for Navigating and Shaping the African Century’. The Guest Speaker was Dr. Michael Kakooza, the Education, Policy and Communication Management Specialist, Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI).

Our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Douglas Opio encouraged Employers to explore opportunities, leverage strategy and support innovation to advance business growth. He reiterated the need to structure organisational strategy and policy documents after detailed market analysis to thrive at global level.

In the keynote address, Mr. Kakooza alluded to the significance of strategic communication in enhancing ethical leadership by facilitating stakeholder engagement, promoting value-driven decision-making and increasing public confidence in institutions. He highlighted the need to use AI tools in a responsible manner as they promote efficiency of operational tasks such automation, data analysis and evaluation. In addition, Mr. Kakooza encouraged business leaders to ensure Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives foster collaboration with government, NGOs, cultural and religious institutions to address critical issues such as healthcare, education and the environment for socio-economic impact.

As technology advances and communication evolves, Employers are implored to prioritise soft skills as a strategic management reality to lead with Impact.

Click the link to view the presentation on Strategic Communication in the 21st Century.

FUE CONDUCTS SOFT SKILLS TRAINING FOR WRISE PROJECT PARTICIPANTS

In December 2024, we partnered with Enabel to implement the Work Readiness for Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprise (WRISE) Project. This is a project designed to equip recent graduates from the Albertine and Rwenzori regions as well as in Mukono district with adequate skills and competences for a smooth transition to the world of work while reducing the high unemployment rates across the country.

As part of the program, FUE and Enabel recently conducted a skills training for selected graduates to equip them with essential soft skills to thrive in the workplace.
The 1st Cohort training was convened from 5th to 9th May 2025 in the Rwenzori region and Mukono District whereas the trainings were concluded on 12th to 16th May in the Albertine region with over 146 graduate participants.

The training content covered six key modules i.e. Personal Development, Interpersonal Skills, Professionalism at the Workplace, Digital Ethos, Entrepreneurship, Labour Laws and Rights. These modules were delivered in-person and crowned with a virtual session where certificates were issued to all that successfully completed the training. This blended approach reinforced learning outcomes and provided graduates with credentials to support their job readiness.

Additionally, local employers were invited to interact with the graduates during the training sessions. These engagements provided real-world insights and practical advice on what it takes to succeed in the workplace while helping graduates build initial professional networks.

We look forward to engaging more graduates during subsequent training that will commence along the project timeline. For more information about the WRISE program, visit our website. https://wrise.fuemployers.org/. Let’s work together to advance youth employment in Uganda.

THE BUSINESS CASE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

On 8th May 2025, we partnered with Enabel Uganda and other stakeholders to host an informative webinar themed, ‘The Business Case for Human Rights’. Ms. Lucy Peace Nantume, the Business and Human Rights Expert, Enabel- Uganda was the Chief Guest. The main purpose of the webinar was to enhance awareness and engagement of Ugandan businesses in the human rights agenda.
During the webinar, the importance of respecting human rights for businesses was emphasised to foster improved performance, reputation, and sustainability. The discussion also covered a European Union-funded project focusing on business and human rights in five sectors, offering support to businesses through sensitization, training, self-assessments, and improvement plans. Participants had the opportunity to engage with each other on best practices of human rights in Uganda according to the NAP on Human Rights launched in 2021.

In addition, FUE Account Managers participated in a Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop to equip the team as ambassadors of BHR at the workplace. The training aimed to provide an overview of the core aspects of BHR laws and policies, roles of Employer and Business Management Organisations (EBMOs), recmmendatoions as well as principles of decent work in the human rights agenda in the world of work. We believe the team will cascade this information to all Employers to boost productivity and promote business growth.

FUE’s role in raising awareness on BHR concepts and integrating BHR in their overall work operations including conducting due diligence processes is a significant part of promoting decent work at national level. We are keen on ensuring all Employers become ambassadors of safety and employee wellness during the course of employment.

If you missed the webinar, you can recap below;

Recording Link

Passcode: 5Y=m+DH+

THE WORKING GROUP FOR EMPOWERMENT OF RETURNEE MIGRANT DOMESTIC WORKERS

In November 2024, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) validated a comprehensive assessment on the economic status of returnee migrant domestic workers from the GCC in Uganda. This workshop outlined strategies for promoting the economic empowerment of returnee migrant women, facilitated essential discussions among stakeholders as regards the returnee migrant women’s effective reintegration into the local economies, and proposed the need for the establishment of a dedicated working group in Uganda to support and ensure sustainability of project outcomes.

As a result, a project titled “International Migration in Africa: Shaping a Positive Narrative and Removing Barriers to Mobility” has been commissioned in Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC). This initiative aims to empower returnee migrant women, particularly domestic workers through enhancing their capacity to engage in various economic activities not only for their well-being but also for the socio-economic development of their communities upon their return.

As a key stakeholder on labour and employment matters, FUE participated in a 3-Day Working Group Meeting on the Economic Empowerment of Return Migrant Domestic Workers, an integral part to implement the aforementioned project. The meeting was organised by the Gender, Poverty and Social Policy Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa from 19th to 21st May 2025, at Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala. The workshop was attended by representatives from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, UN Women, African Union Commission, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, FUE, National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU), Central Organisation of Free Trade Union (COFTU), Migrant Labour Recruitment Agencies, Migrant Labour Pre-departure Training Agencies, representatives of Returnee Migrant Workers, among others.

The meeting focused mainly on providing strategic guidance for the economic empowerment of returnee migrants from the Gulf Cooperation Council. It also aimed at providing strategies for ensuring the sustainability of the project’s initiatives, advocate for effective migration and reintegration policies, and promote collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Its scope encompasses developing an action plan and crafting tailored policy recommendations to meet the needs of returnee domestic workers.

Some of the outcomes from the meeting include;

• The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Working Group.
• The Action Plan and the roadmap for the implementation of the project.
• It was also agreed that the leadership of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to be the Chair of the project Working Group.

Next Steps and Immediate Actions

• Finalise Working Group Membership and Appointment of Co-Chair(s) and the Secretariat
• Establish Communication Channels and Digital Resource Platforms
• Conduct Detailed Stakeholder Mapping aligned with to Result Area 1 (RA1) Objectives
• Initiate Capacity-Building and Sensitisation Workshops for Members and Partners
• Develop and Adopt a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework with Clear Success Indicators
• Convene the Inaugural Working Group Meeting and Define the Operational Roadmap for the First Year

Over the years, Uganda has seen a growing number of women migrating to the Gulf Cooperation Council (Middle-East countries) for domestic work, but many of whom return with limited economic opportunities and face reintegration challenges. These women often experience multiple vulnerabilities including a lack of access to financial services, limited skills recognition, social stigma and inadequate social protection. Its expedient to ensure decent work is a key component in a labour migration process.

INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAY

Annually, the world commemorates International Labour Day to celebrate the entire workforce for their contribution to economic growth. In Uganda, the labour day celebrations were conducted at Nakaale Grounds, Nakapiripirit District themed, ‘Consolidating on the Gains of the Parish Development Model for Increased Productivity and Inclusive Job Creation’. H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda was the Chief Guest with Members of Parliament, Ministers, Policy Makers, FUE, Workers Representatives and Policy Makers were in attendance among other dignitaries.

In his address, President Museveni highlighted the need to enhance job creation and foster skills development to support sustainable development. He pledged government’s commitment to tackle the minimum wage issue as well as set up measures to regulate external recruitment agencies exploiting migrant workers. President Museveni further applauded the entire workforce contributing to national development.

Hearty congratulations to Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha, the Former FUE Chairperson, Mr. Douglas Opio, Our Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Dorothy Kabagamabe Ssemanda, Mr. Omara Apitta Lamex, Professor John Chrysostom Ssenyondo Musaazi and Professor Sudi Nangoli
that received the National Independence Medal.

We are keen on working with relevant stakeholders committed to creating an enabling business environment to support the working population to improve livelihoods in addition to ensuring Employers uphold labour law standards in their daily work operations.

WORLD DAY FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH 2025

In commemoration of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development (MGLSD) in collaboration with its esteemed social partners FUE National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) and Central Organisation of Free Trade Unions (COFTU), successfully hosted the third Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Awards 2025 in Namanve Industrial Park. The OSH Day theme was ‘Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalisation at Work’, underscoring the transformative potential of technology in creating safer and healthier work environments. A significant number of Employers actively participated in this year’s awards, demonstrating a strong interest in advancing OSH practices within their organizations.

Our CEO, Mr. Douglas Opio in his remarks emphasised the critical need to proactively adapt digitalisation as a measure of OSH. He highlighted the instrumental role of Artificial Intelligence in the prediction and prevention of workplace accidents through rapid data analysis. Mr. Opio further elaborated on the potential of utilising robots in high-risk environments, such as underground operations to significantly mitigate human exposure to hazards.

At the event, the Minister, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the CEO of FUE, representatives from the Trade Unions, and other distinguished dignitaries signed a pledge to promote safety and health at the workplace. This gesture accentuated the collective responsibility and dedication of all stakeholders towards fostering a culture of safety and health in Ugandan workplaces.

The OSH Award winners Nile Breweries Uganda Limited, Uganda Breweries Ltd and Vivo Energy are esteemed FUE members. This significant milestone highlights FUE’s consistent efforts in championing decent work and promoting strict adherence to relevant laws and best practices in the Employers fraternity.

The outstanding performance of FUE member companies at the OSH Awards 2025 serves as a powerful testament to promoting decent work, ensuring compliance with labour laws, and advocating for the adoption of best practices in occupational safety and health. FUE remains dedicated to supporting its members in creating work environments where the safety, health, and well-being of every worker are prioritized.

INDUSTRIAL COURT CASE SUMMARY

This is a summary of the case of Standard Chartered Bank vs Grace Tibihikira Makoko concerning the award of damages in cases of unlawful or unfair termination.

Kindly click the link to view the case summary: Industrial Court Case Summary

For any inquiries and support on employment relations and legal issues, contact info@fuemployers.ug | 0392 777 410.

FUE MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

We were delighted to pay courtesy visits to our esteemed members, Uganda Clays and Exclusive Flower Farm. These visits provided an opportunity to discuss potential areas of collaboration and partnership with the Federation.

We are readily available to serve Employers’ interests and needs.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Employers are called upon to participate in the FUE 2025 Salary Survey to gain information on renumeration packages in various organisations within the same sector to enable business leaders review salary structures to attract and retain top talent.

Targeted sectors: Manufacturing, Agriculture, Insurance, Engineering, Construction, Hospitality, Telecommunication, Finance, Banking, and Trade and Commerce

To participate;
FUE Members: UGX. 3,000,000
FUE Non-Members: UGX. 5,000,000

Click here to confirm participation

Application Deadline: 30th June 2025

For inquiries contact info@fuemployers.org | 0392 777 410.

FUE STAFF COMMENTARY

EMPLOYERS AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL MEDALS FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

“You can start right where you stand and apply the habit of going the extra mile by rendering more service and better service than you are now being paid for”, says Napoleon Hill, the former American author and motivational expert. While Marcus Tullius Cicero, one of the world’s renowned greatest orators and statesmen says, “Poor is the nation that has no heroes, but poorer is still the nation that having heroes, fails to remember and honour them”.

Thankfully, Uganda not only has some heroes, but the country also has the framework and avenues of remembering and recognizing them. One of the most known avenues of remembering, recognising and honouring our national heroes is through conferring them the national honours and awards. The conferment of national honours and awards in Uganda is supported by a legal framework under the National Honours and Awards Act, 2021. The law provides the basis for recognising individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the country’s progress, security and stability.

The National Awards in Uganda are in the form of Orders, Medals and Decorations. The process of conferment of these Honours and Awards starts with identifying individuals who have contributed significantly to our country’s progress including outstanding services to humanity. Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the Federation of Uganda Employers, and Workers Unions (NOTU and COFTU) submits their respective lists of proposed individuals to the Chancery/ Presidential Awards Committee for vetting.

During the vetting process, the Presidential Awards Committee identifies the most eligible candidates for Honour and Awards in various categories like those for the National Independence Medal, which is awarded to members of the military, police, civil servants, local government employees and other Ugandans who have distinguished themselves in service to the nation; Distinguished Service Medal for police officers; the Nalubale Medal for civilian activists who have contributed to the political development of Uganda either through armed struggle or civil disobedience; the Efficient Service Medal for UPDF officers; and the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal for Army, Police, and Prisons officers; among other medals.

The list of those deemed eligible for medal awards (by the vetting Committee) is then forwarded to H.E the President for approval and conferment of Honours on special national occasions like the Independence Day, International Labour Day, and Heroes Day. The Chancery is the permanent custodian and administrator of Uganda’s National Honours.

It was on this basis and process that the six FUE members were awarded medals mainly the National Independence Medal (Diamond Jubilee Medal), one of Uganda’s highest civilian honours. These include Mr. Douglas Opio, the Chief Executive Officer, Federation of Uganda Employers; Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, the Managing Director, National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) and former chairperson of FUE Governing Council; Ms. Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda, the Chief Executive Officer, American Tower Corporation (ATC); Mr. Omara Apitta Lamex, the Managing Director, Foundation Leads Limited; Professor Sudi Nangoli, the Managing Director, Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC); and Professor John Chrysostom Ssenyondo Musaazi, a Member of the Task Force overseeing the transition of Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) from Private to Government University and former Principal, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University. Bravo to the Government of Uganda for having put in place such a system of remembering and honouring its heroes.

So, the 6th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Medal (one of Uganda’s highest civilian honours) celebrates six decades of Uganda’s Independence and recognises individuals who have made lasting contributions to the country’s progress. This medal is awarded to both Ugandans and foreigners who have played an instrumental role in advancing Uganda’s sovereignty, independence, or development across the various sectors of the economy.

On this note, I wish to extend my warmest felicitations to the fore mentioned FUE medalists for their outstanding acts of service and the resultant National Awards. It’s always so exciting when our members are recognised with such Prestigious National Honours and Awards. Their ability to relentlessly search for solutions to the problems affecting our society, and in finding innovative ways to improve the world of work is quite laudable and encouraging. Indeed, successful people have a social responsibility to make the world a better place and not just take from it, as Carrie Underwood, an American country singer, songwriter and actress rightly asserted.

These great employers have made significant contribution to the country in various ways. Some of their contributions include: the ground-breaking research and good policies that have had a profound impact in the world of work; great innovations which have transformed their respective workplaces and promoted decent work; delivery of some essential services to Ugandans with distinction; cutting-edge publications and academic research which have extended the frontiers of knowledge; supplemented on the government’s effort to improving the learning environment especially for children in rural areas through construction of new classroom blocks and the renovation of the existing ones; installation of solar power in some areas in the country to supplement on the government’s programme of expanding electricity coverage; undertaken afforestation programmes in different parts of the country in collaboration with NEMA and the National Forestry Authority as part of Uganda’s afforestation and climate resilience initiatives; undertaken mentorship programmes that have positively impacted on many including university students; philanthropic activities and charitable donations especially to the disadvantaged people in our society including those affected by natural disasters, among other impact.

In this regard, Mahatma Gandhi, the former Indian lawyer and social activist who successfully led the struggle for India’s independence from the British rule using non-violent means asserted: “A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history”. However, Martin Luther King, Jr., the former leader of the American civil rights movement provided his inspirational advice saying, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve”.

Indeed, a life of significance is about serving those who need your gifts, your leadership, and your purpose as Kevin Hall, the CEO of the Charter School Growth Fund in USA rightly puts it. And one of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people especially the vulnerable and disadvantaged ones know that they are not alone. Therefore, let us be the agents of change that we wish to see in the world.

By Patrick Ajuna, Policy and Research Officer

UPCOMING EVENTS

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