FUE August 2024 E-Newsletter – The Voice of Employers

ISSUE 66 | AUGUST 2024

AN OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FEDERATION OF UGANDA EMPLOYERS

FUENEWS

THE VOICE OF EMPLOYERS

FUE CEO MESSAGE

Dear Esteemed Member,

According to a study by McKinsey, companies that actively engage in partnerships are more likely to experience revenue growth and increased market share compared to their counterparts. In addition, a study by PwC found that 97% of executives believe partnerships are essential for innovation and long-term success.

Strategic partnerships offer numerous benefits that can significantly impact the bottom line of businesses. FUE has several partnerships with key industry players at local and international level such as the Government of

Uganda, the Presidential CEO Forum, United Nations, Enabel, International Labour Organisation, International Organisation of Employers, Confederation of Norwegian Enterprises among others. Employers that leverage partnerships have the opportunity to access new markets, technologies, resources and create new products and services hence gaining a competitive edge over other businesses within the same sector.

Furthermore, it’s important to identify partners with similar interests, complementary strengths and expertise to form alliances and work together on various projects. This month, we collaborated with the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda to conduct an awareness webinar on the significance of insurance in the world of work to promote employee well-being, boost productivity and safeguard organisation assets. In the same vein, we formed a business alliance with the Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP) to create a platform to develop initiatives to support business leaders, ease cross-border trade and emphasise labour law compliance for the advancement of the Employers’ fraternity.

FUE remains committed to serve Employers’ interests and needs at local, regional and international level.

Thank you,
Together for Employers.

Douglas Opio

The Chief Executive Officer, FUE

FUE CEO Message
FUE and EFP Sign Agreement Of Cooperation And Advocacy
FUE-IRA Employers’ Insurance Awareness Webinar
Transforming Organisational Culture For A Thriving Workplace Webinar
FUE New Member Alert
Utilise The FUE Membership Services For Business Competitiveness
Upcoming Events

FUE AND EFP SIGN AGREEMENT OF COOPERATION AND ADVOCACY

The Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) signed a Memorandum of Collaboration, Cooperation, Advocacy and Lobbying with the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP) in Karachi, Pakistan on 10th August 2024. Mr. Douglas Opio, the Chief Executive Officer, FUE and Mr. Syed Nazar Ali, Secretary General EFP were the main signatories to the agreement on behalf of the employers’ organisations. This great milestone was witnessed by the Chief Guest Mr. Jam Kamal Khan, the Federal Minister of Commerce Pakistan. Others included Mr. Zubair Motiwala, Executive Director Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Majyd Aziz, Former President EFP, Dr Elly Kamugisha ED Uganda Export Promotion Board, and Mr. Shaffi Manafa, the Head of Membership at FUE.

The MOU was signed on the sidelines of the 2nd Pakistan Food and Agricultural Exhibition organised by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan. The agreement is an opportunity to increase investment opportunities, Business to Business (B2B) partnerships between FUE and EFP members in Uganda and Pakistan respectively, promote benchmarking of best business practices and provide mutual support on membership products and services for the respective members affiliated to FUE and EFP. This initiative taken by FUE and EFP is vital to promote Pakistan Business relations in Uganda and other African countries that are expected to supersede $10 billion by June 2026.

As the premier voice of Employers on social and economic issues in Uganda, we believe this collaboration with EFP will strengthen business entities, promote decent work and create a conducive business environment for international and multi-national organisations. We look forward to future collaborations to foster bi-lateral trade and boost economic growth.

FUE-IRA EMPLOYERS’ INSURANCE AWARENESS WEBINAR

According to statistics from the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) in July 2024, the insurance industry’s gross written premiums grew by 11.29% in 2023 from Ugx.1.44 trillion in 2022. On Friday 9th August, FUE AND IRA hosted an Employers; Insurance Awareness webinar to discuss ‘Why Insurance Matters: Understanding your Rights and Obligations under an Insurance Contract’. Employers, Human Resource Professionals and Legal Officers were in attendance.

The webinar exposed the various types of risks covered by insurance such as health insurance, motor comprehensive insurance, group personal accident cover, life insurance, pension plan, travel insurance, workers compensation and education insurance. Employers were implored to invest in different insurance packages to ensure financial security, encourages savings and investments, boost business efficiency, build credibility as well as promote economic growth. Furthermore, the aspects required to acquire and maintain an insurance policy to enjoy the full benefits during the allotted period of time.

As organisations grow, it’s important to invest in insurance cover to protect interests, assets and the workforce.

Kindly click the link below to view the

Employers’ Insurance Awareness Presentation

For customised trainings suited to your organizations’ need, contact Mr. Yusuf Nsubuga, the FUE Training Manager on yusuf.nsubuga@fuemployers.org.

TRANSFORMING ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE FOR A THRIVING WORKPLACE WEBINAR

On 1st August 2024, we were delighted to conduct a webinar in partnership with BrighterMonday Uganda (BMU) themed, ‘Transforming Organisational Culture for a Thriving Workplace’. The Guest Speaker was Ms. Aisha Nante Mambo, the Director Human Resources, Sheraton Kampala Hotel.

During the webinar, Employers were implored to lead by example, communicate effectively, make value-based decisions, recognise and reward good attitudes as well as provide professional development opportunities for all staff to transform company culture. The communication strategies that actively engage culture transformation such as clear and consistent communication, transparent dialogue and encourage feedback were extensively discussed. Leadership Commitment, Regular Feedback, Continuous Training, and Constant Reward Systems were emphasised as tenets to sustain culture change in the long run.

An effective company culture is key to employee well-being, retain talent, boost productivity and foster economic growth. We believe transforming company culture is everyone’s responsibility within the organisation.

To recap the training, click the link to view

Recording Link

Passcode: QQb4z!0@

To request a customised training suited to your organisation needs, kindly reach out to our Training Manager, Yusuf Nsubuga, yusuf.nsubuga@fuemployers.org

FUE NEW MEMBER ALERT

We warmly welcome the East African Medical Vitals (EAMV) to the FUE membership community. EAMV supplies healthcare facilities of all sizes, increasing medical care capacity and ensuring safety of patients and healthcare professionals. We remain readily available to serve your interests and needs.

FUE STAFF COMMENTARY

UTILISE THE FUE MEMBERSHIP SERVICES FOR BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS

“If you don’t have a competitive advantage, you don’t compete”, says Jack Welch, the former Chief Executive Officer of General Electric Company, an author and motivation speaker. Deliberate and focused effort, best human resource practices, innovation and commitment to excellence are some of the essential ingredients to achieving competitiveness in business. The Federation of Uganda Employers’ (FUE’s) mission is to enhance employers’ competitiveness through policy advocacy, provision of business support services, fostering sustainable employment relations and job creation.

FUE is the leading employers’ organization in Uganda, which was founded in 1958 and legally registered in 1960. It is the voice of employers on social and economic issues – recognized both nationally and internationally. FUE represents Ugandan employers under the tripartite arrangement in Uganda, and it is the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO’s) recognized private sector constituent, including at the International Labour Conference that sits once every year to, among others, deliberate and determine the international labour standards. In addition,

FUE is a member of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), Business Africa, and the East African Employers Organisation (EAEO).

The Federation of Uganda Employers is composed of the four organs namely: The Board of Trustees; The Annual General Meeting of FUE Members; The Governing Council which is the FUE Supreme organ led by the Chairperson, and which operates with four committees – the Executive Committee, the Member Services Committee, the Human Resources, Finance and Administration Committee, and the Audit Committee. The fourth organ is the Secretariat, which is the administrative organ headed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who is appointed by the Governing Council. The Secretariat is in charge of the day to day running of the organization including the delivery of services to members.

FUE membership consists of all types of employers in Uganda, and across all sectors of the economy. Multinational corporations, large enterprises, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), private and public sectors, profit and non-profit organizations, individual organizations and sectoral associations. Membership to this Employers’ Federation is in six categories namely; Platinum category that pays Uganda shillings 3,000,000, Gold 2,500,000, Silver 2,000,000, Bronze 1,500,000, Copper 800,000, and Zinc – 400,000. Zinc category is for the young employers. FUE Membership subscription is paid annually, the higher the category of membership, the more the services a member gets.

Since membership goes with services, every paid up FUE member is entitled to get services. These services are categoried into general and specific services. The general services include lobbying and advocacy for a favourable business environment through the national tripartite structure on issues like access to affordable finance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), skills development, favourable commercial and labour laws, acceleration of social security reforms, and promoting socially and environmentally sustainable enterprises.

In addition, FUE represents employers at various levels like the bipartite and tripartite structures (national), East African Employers’ Organization (regional), Business Africa (continental), and at the International Organization of Employers where a lot of engagements are made for favourable business policies and signing of MOUs for programmes and projects that benefit Ugandan employers both directly and indirectly. FUE also represents employers at ILO Conference every year in June where some new international labour standards are set, among other decisions.

The specific and direct services to members vary according to the membership category in terms of the frequency member gets a given service annually, the number of people allocated to attend FUE activities per member organisation, among other considerations. The Membership and Marketing Department will soon organize a session for members to provide more details as regards the FUE membership services. Some of the specific services include;

General sensitization of members on the relevant employment and labour laws to enhance compliance and decent work.
On-the site/ in-house sensitisation on the relevant labour laws and workplace practices in Employment Relations; Occupational Safety and Health (OSH); and Labour Laws. The composition of the staff to attend is determined by a member.
Mini-Human Resource Manual & other Workplace Policy Audits (Quick Gap Analysis).
The FUE-CEO Breakfast Meetings (three meetings annually) for all FUE CEOs. These meetings are held in February, May and November where they discuss and exchange ideas on topical issues to enhancing decent work and sustainable development.
Advice on Human Resources, Employment Relations, and legal issues.
Mini-Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) audits at workplace with recommendations. It is mandatory for all workplaces to be inspected and registered by government through the Commissioner for OSH at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
FUE monthly Newsletter and the Annual Report.
Employment Relations (ER) clinics where members convene and share their experiences and challenges in ER at their workplaces. Then, FUE would advise accordingly on the way forward.
Networking with FUE members on major events like at AGM Meetings, CEO Breakfast Meetings, Employers Conference etc.
Access to the FUE paid for services at a discounted rate.

Besides, every FUE member organization is allocated to a specific staff at the secretariat who, as ‘the account manager’ is tasked to among others, conduct servicing visits and provide all the necessary information and updates to the assigned members, including reminders to utilise fore mentioned services.

FUE also provide services which are paid for. These services include; salary surveys, general trainings, in-house trainings, workplace consultancy services, audit of HR manual and workplace policies, Employer of the Year Awards (EYA) Survey, negotiations services (Collective Bargaining Agreement), Female Future Program (FFP), Annual Women Leadership Conference, mediation services, Employment Relations and Legal retainer services, among others.

The fact that members are the core of any association, and FUE being no exception, providing significant value to all members in form of benefits is very vital for us at the FUE secretariat since membership goes with services. However, while it is the duty of the FUE secretariat to reach out to all members to ensure they utilise the membership services, being an FUE member means you are one of its owners as well, and therefore it is your right to demand for the services that you are entitled to get when they are not forthcoming. This implies that you also have to take an active role in your organisation’s (FUE’s) performance. In this regard, Mahathir Mohamad, an author and former Malaysian Prime Minister counsels, “Membership of an organization is as good, as long as you can make yourself heard”. Indeed, as Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft and Philanthropist puts it, we all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we can improve.

By Patrick Ajuna, Policy and Research Officer