ISSUE 82 | NOVEMBER 2025

AN OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FEDERATION OF UGANDA EMPLOYERS

FUENEWS

THE VOICE OF EMPLOYERS

FUE CEO MESSAGE

Dear Esteemed Member,

As we gradually come to the end of 2025, our obligation to serve Employers’ interests and needs is still resolute as an integral tripartite partner at local, regional and international level.

Globally, an extensive portion of economic activity is within the informal sector, a common feature in many developing and low-income countries. Uganda exhibits a similar trend with about 72% of businesses, 78% of the labor force, and about 51% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) generated from the informal economy according to the World Bank and

ILOSTAT, 2022. Due to this, the informal sector accounts for majority of casual workers in the world of work.

In a bid to promote good industrial relations at the workplace, we convened the FUE-CEO Breakfast Meeting themed, ‘Managing Casual Employment’. The meeting is a high-level gathering of top business leaders operating within various sectors of the economy to share and benchmark best practices to thrive in the evolving labour market. This theme is a significant topic of discussion since majority of Employers hire casual workers to perform particular tasks for a temporary period of time. During the CEO Breakfast Meeting, we launched the Employer of the Year Awards (EYA) 2025 Survey themed, ‘Future-Ready Workforce: Skills, Technology and Trust’ in partnership with Enabel, Makerere University and International Labour Organisation. The EYA Survey is conducted annually to identify, rank and amplify organisations promoting best human resource practices in the world of work. FUE is committed to enhance employer competitiveness through revolutionary initiatives like the EYA Survey that has transformed work operations for over 20 years.

As we are aware, the industrial court has been overwhelmed with case backlog that has accumulated intensely due to limited time and resources to hold court sessions. FUE in partnership with the Danish Industry (D.I) convened a bipartite meeting for trade union representatives to discuss Alternative Labour Dispute Resolution (ALDR) and Minimum Wage. The meeting was an opportunity to highlight the benefits of ALDR as well as present a draft position paper prepared by FUE to set a basis for the consultations with trade union representatives to ensure a consolidated position before the position paper is presented to parliament. We believe the recommendations that were proposed will provide a strong position to reduce cases taken to the industrial court hence saving time, reducing legal costs and creating a conducive work environment.

Furthermore, the FUE Governing Council (G.C) and Management team paid a courtesy visit to Kakira Sugar Ltd, one of the Federation’s esteemed trustees since its inception in 1958. The visit included a detailed account on the achievements of Kakira, discussions on areas of collaboration and benchmarking best practices for other organisations. The G.C. team was taken on an extensive tour of the factory which emphasised the company’s investment in innovation, adaptation of technology to boost productivity and job creation to support communities to improve livelihoods. We are proudly associated and commend Kakira for promoting gender equality, occupational safety and health in addition to contributing to economic growth through various initiatives. Let’s keep flying the Employers flag high!

Thank you,
Together for Employers.

Douglas Opio

The Chief Executive Officer, FUE

CONTENTS

• FUE CEO Message
• Danish Financing Opportunities For Employers In Africa
• The FUE-CEO Breakfast Meeting
• FUE and DI Convene Bipartite Meeting
• FUE Governing Council Visit To Kakira Sugar Ltd
• The Regional Leadership And Career Impact Summit 2025
• FUE Host Delegation On Child Labour Progress Tour
• The Inaugural Africa Human Capital Conference
• FUE 2026 Training Needs And Preferences Survey
• FUE Member Spotlight

DANISH FINANCING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYERS IN AFRICA

With 70% of Uganda’s fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) expected to be financed by the Government and the remaining 30% by private sector, inclusive and deliberate strategies are essential to bridge the gap between available capital and those who need it most – especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), local entrepreneurs, and farmers.

As the sole Employers organisation in Uganda recognised by the ILO, FUE partners with various stakeholders at international level to advance the Employers’ fraternity. In light of this, our esteemed partner, the Danish Industry (D.I) is keen to provide insights on finance and partnership opportunities between Ugandan companies and Danish companies. These opportunities are present in key sectors of interest including infrastructure, health, agro-industry (Food Processing Equipment) and wind energy.

These opportunities have arisen through the Danish government’s Africa strategy, titled “Africa’s Century,” aiming to strengthen strategic partnerships with African countries through economic diplomacy, knowledge sharing, and increased private sector investment. Concrete financial solutions are available through two main instruments:

1. Impact Fund Denmark (IFDK): IFDK is a Danish impact investor contributing to green, just and inclusive societies as well as supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. It provides risk capital to companies operating in developing countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and parts of Europe. Investments are made on commercial terms in the form of equity, loans and guarantees. Prioritized sectors are Green Energy & Infrastructure, Financial Services, Healthcare and Sustainable Food Systems.
2. Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO): EIFO offers financing to an organizations foreign customers and makes export transactions possible by offering customer credit reserved for those that are purchasing goods from particular organizations. EIFOs risk assessment typically includes debt and growth levels, export volume, currency reserves and the quality of political institutions and divides in the country.
   EIFO primarily works with five-business generating approaches such as:
   · International Banks with Financing Mandates for Infrastructure Projects
   · Collaboration with Foreign EPC Companies
   · Collaboration with Selected Local and Development Banks
   · Green Accelerator Program Focus on Africa

To support this, Danish Industry offers targeted consultancy regarding relevant instruments and actively facilitates contact between the respective institutions and interested companies. Even at a distance, Danish Industry has provided a clear overview of available instruments, as well as valuable insights into the Ugandan market through their newly published ‘Uganda market snapshot’ report.

Technological advancement and digitalisation easing work operations, increasing productivity, eliminating certain costs and reducing turnover time create prospects to boost export promotion and access global markets for free trade movement at continental level. As we transition into the green economy and prioritise climate change, Africa has vast opportunities with about 39% of the world’s renewable energy resources and 30% of the world’s mineral reserves as well as the need for support with climate adaptation. With Denmark’s strengths in business, the country can play a key role in Africa’s climate-positive growth journey. The financial support is open to all Employers including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs and farmers among others.

To access these funding opportunities, contact info@fuemployers.org | 0392 777 410.

THE FUE-CEO BREAKFAST MEETING

The FUE-CEO Breakfast Meeting was convened on Friday 28th November 2025 at Golf Couse Hotel themed, ‘Managing Casual Employment’. The keynote speaker was Her Lordship, Hon. Lady Justice Linda Lillian Tumusiime Mugisha, the Head Judge, Industrial Court Uganda. Business leaders from various sectors in the economy were in attendance to discuss dynamics of casual work in accordance with the law.

In the keynote presentation, the Head Judge shared benefits of casual employment including flexible work arrangements, affordable labour, improving livelihoods and advancing economic growth. She encouraged Employers to become conversant with Regulation 39 that has been drafted to decasualise labour and states that if a casual worker is continually engaged beyond four months they are entitled to all benefits for permanent employees. Her Lordship further emphasised provision of minimum benefits such as medical coverage, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), fair compensation among others.

In addition, Mr. Silvester Kasozi, the Executive Director, Light for the World Uganda made a detailed presentation on the Uganda Business and Disability Network (UBDN) that provides technical expertise, opportunities of advocacy and visibility as well as peer to peer dialogue to promote disability inclusion.

During the meeting, we officially launched the Employer of the Year Awards (EYA) Survey 2025 in partnership with Enabel, Makerere University and International Labour Organisation. The EYA Survey 2025 will be themed, ‘Future-Ready Workforce: Skills, Technology and Trust’. The EYA 2025 Survey will focus on leveraging technology, re-skilling and up-skilling as well as a balance between the economic and social issues at the workplace. Employers are encouraged to actively participated to amplify best business practices at organisational level.

Employers are encouraged to understand legal obligations when engaging with casual workers to eliminate law suits. We believe the valuable insights shared during this meeting will foster good employment relations hence a conducive work environment.

FUE AND DI CONVENE BIPARTITE MEETING

On Tuesday 4th November 2025, we convened a bipartite workshop in partnership with the Danish Industry (D.I) for National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) and Central Organisation of Trade Union (COFTU) representatives on Alternative Labour Dispute Resolution(ALDR) and Minimum Wage. The main aim of the meeting was to discuss a position paper developed by FUE on ALDR and minimum wage. Participants included representatives from NOTU, COFTU and other trade unions in sectors such as the hospitality and agricultural sector.

The recommendations for ALDR and Minimum wage included reforming first instance mechanism for amendments of labour disputes, mandating exhaustion of industrial remedies, strengthening arbitration laws and specialised mediator accreditation in addition to collective bargaining approaches, adopting a sectoral-based wage, operationalising an advisory board and facilitating labour officers and inspection services. FUE advocates for a strategic shift towards ALDR mechanisms to enhance industrial competitiveness and sustainable business growth. The meeting elected a committee comprising of both Employer and trade union representatives to further discuss the position paper, incorporate the recommendations and create a consolidated position for bipartite partners on ALDR and minimum wage.

We appreciate social partners for their active participation to setting up a minimum wage and promoting different conflict resolution mechanisms to eliminate backlog of cases and prolonged court processes that hinder organisational growth.

FUE GOVERNING COUNCIL VISIT TO KAKIRA SUGAR LTD

The FUE Governing Council and Management team paid a courtesy visit to Kakira Sugar Ltd, one of the esteemed FUE trustees on Friday 7th November 2025. The delegation was led by Mr. Douglas Opio, the Chief Executive Officer. The main highlights of the visit included collaborations to support Kakira’s expansion to Kayunga and Amuru, transforming economic growth, inclusive employment and exploring areas of learning.

In his presentation, Mr. Douglas Opio commended Kakira for supporting the work of the Federation since its inception in 1958. He applauded the team for eliminating child labour in supply chains, promoting job creation and promoting gender equality at the workplace. Mr. Opio further expressed FUE’s desire to collaborate with Kakira Sugar to share and amplify best business practices upheld by Kakira that has enabled the organisation thrive at national level.

In addition, we applaud Kakira for promoting job creation with over 7000 new jobs expected in Kayunga and Amuru districts, mitigating climate change through tree planting, recycling waste from cane into electricity, ensuring environmental conservation by eliminating carbon neutrality and championing Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives such as serving communities, supporting orphanages as well as providing scholarships and education.

FUE commends Kakira Sugar Limited for promoting gender equality, decent work, social protection and climate change. We are proudly associated and applauds Kakira as a good employer.

THE REGIONAL LEADERSHIP AND CAREER IMPACT SUMMIT 2025

As an advocate for youth employability in Uganda, we participated in the Regional Leadership and Career Impact Summit hosted by Africa Career Networks in collaboration with MasterCard Foundation. The summit brought together various stakeholders including Employers, Human Resource Practitioners, Entrepreneurs, Students among others. Our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Douglas Opio delivered the keynote presentation themed, ‘Igniting the Potential of East Africa’s Youth: Catalysing Talent and Opportunity in Uganda’.

In his keynote presentation, Mr. Douglas Opio shared valuable insights with the youth on world of work trends transforming workplaces at global level. He highlighted skills mismatch, systemic exclusions i.e. limited access for women, refugees and PwDs, unemployment and underemployment as challenges to youth employability in Uganda. He emphasised digital literacy, entrepreneurship, Diversity and Inclusion as key aspects to thrive in the evolving labour market. Mr. Opio further stated, ‘Uganda’s youth are not a statistic. They are innovators, problem solvers and the driving force for tomorrow’s economy’.

Additionally, there were various insightful panel discussions, expert career talks, focused group discussions and networking opportunities for all participants from various nations represented including Kenya, South Africa, Sudan, Madagascar etc.

The East African Region has vast potential to boost sustainable development through technology, green transition, agri-business among others. FUE is keen on promoting youth employability through soft skills training, graduate training opportunities and promoting inclusive employment. Let’s work together to support the next generation of world changers.

FUE HOST DELEGATION ON CHILD LABOUR PROGRESS TOUR

In order to eliminate child labour in supply chains by 2030 in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), FUE in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) identified Mt. Elgon Agroforestry Communities Cooperative Enterprise Ltd (MEACCE) as one of the companies demonstrating good practices in responsible business conduct within the coffee supply chain. On Monday 10th November 2025, a joint delegation from the Government of the Netherlands and the ILO visited MEACCE. The main aim of the visit was to follow up on the progress made following the child labour due diligence training conducted by FUE under the ILO–ACCEL Africa Project and to appreciate the steps MEACCE has taken to integrate child labour due diligence and responsible business practices into its operations.

This visit included a tour of the ILO-ACCEL Africa project sites to appreciate the progress made in promoting responsible business practices and eliminating child labour in supply chains. The field visit likewise focused on the partners’ work in the coffee supply chain, particularly interventions with Village Savings and Loan Associations, cooperatives, and the MobiPay digital system. The delegation was keen to understand the unique contributions of the ILO’s tripartite partners, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD), District Local Governments, the National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) and the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) in advancing this agenda. Additionally, there was an extraordinary opportunity to learn about the differences between the two coffee types (Robusta and Arabica) and how these influence farming and labour practices. FUE was able to showcase ACCEL Africa Project’s unique contribution to sustainable, child-labour-free coffee supply chain and to highlight the concrete contributions of each partner involved.

We are determined to eliminate all forms of child labour in supply chains to preserve the future workforce. We believe concerted efforts from all relevant stakeholders will accelerate progress to end all forms of child and forced labour in Uganda.

THE INAUGURAL AFRICA HUMAN CAPITAL CONFERENCE

The National Development Plan (NDP IV) includes an aspect of human capital development that prioritises investments in education, health, and skills development to enhance productivity that aims to create a skilled and healthy population to support Uganda’s economic growth and transition to a modern, prosperous society. FUE in partnership with Psyche Solutions and other partners convened the Inaugural Africa Human Capital Conference on Thursday 20th November 2025 at Hotel Africana. Participants included government representatives, employers, academia, civil society and special interest groups among others.

During the conference, youth employment, skills development, informality, productivity, decent work, social protection, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) were key focus areas of discussion. There was a deliberate recognition of the creative economy and digital innovation as significant contributors to sustainable growth. In addition, an enlightening panel discussion highlighted soft skills, mindset change, knowledge as pertinent skills to thrive in the workplace.

Furthermore, mental health and well-being were emphasised as core aspects to boost productivity, eliminate burn out and advance business growth.

It’s significant to note that human capital is a great asset to any economy. We implore organisations to prioritise employee well-being, re-skill and up-skill the workforce as well as adapt technology.

FUE 2026 TRAINING NEEDS AND PREFERENCES SURVEY

As we develop the FUE 2026 Training Calendar, we would like your input on the priority topics and your preferences regarding venue and regional trainings. Kindly spare a few minutes to complete this short survey. Your feedback will directly determine which trainings are scheduled.

Click the link to fill in the survey: https://ee-eu.kobotoolbox.org/x/O7tIwH9c

We look forward to your positive response.

FUE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Safeguarding Every Dollar: Why Fraud Prevention Matters for NGOs This International Fraud Awareness Week

Did you know that NGOs worldwide lose up to 5% of their annual funding to fraud?
This startling statistic from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) underscores a harsh reality: every year, billions of dollars meant for life-changing work vanish into schemes like embezzlement, procurement fraud, and asset misappropriation. For organizations like ours, dedicated to empowering women and families, this isn’t just a financial hit, it’s a betrayal of trust that can delay critical services and endanger lives.

As we celebrate the International Fraud Awareness month, Marie Stopes Uganda is joining the global call to action. Let’s come together to protect every dollar and every life we serve.

The Hidden Cost of Fraud in the NGO Sector
In the nonprofit world, where resources are stretched thin and missions are deeply personal, fraud strikes at the heart of our purpose. According to the ACFE’s Occupational Fraud 2024 Report, occupational fraud costs organizations an average of 5% of revenue, a figure that holds steady into 2025 amid rising digital threats and economic pressures.

In developing regions like East Africa, where funding often flows through complex supply chains, the risks amplify. A single undetected case can erode donor confidence, leading to reduced grants and partnerships. We have seen firsthand headlines of embezzlement scandals that not only drain coffers but also cast shadows over legitimate work, making it harder for women in rural Uganda to access the reproductive health services they require.

At Marie Stopes Uganda, these numbers aren’t abstract. They represent the women, men and young people we serve. Take for instance a young mother in Adjumani district choosing family planning to pursue her education, or a family in Kampala spacing births to afford better nutrition. Fraud doesn’t just steal money it steals futures.

Our Mission: Leave no woman behind when it comes to easy access to trusted reproductive health services
For over 35 years, Marie Stopes Uganda has delivered high-quality contraception, maternal care, and Sexual Reproductive Health education to underserved communities. Through the UKAid-supported RISE Programme, we’ve cut maternal mortality 44% in target areas (from 336 to 189 deaths per 100,000 live births). We’ve served over 2 million clients, averted 971,000 unintended pregnancies, and prevented 2,800 maternal deaths.

Twenty mobile outreach teams navigate dusty roads to remote villages with twelve MSUG centers located in major cities, and 23 SBCC teams working with government Village Health Team (VHT) structure offering information on Sexual Reproductive Health and Family Planning to ensure no one is left behind. None of this happens without trust. Every donation received must be protected.

But none of this would be possible without the trust of our donors, partners, and communities. That’s why integrity isn’t optional, it’s foundational and every contribution, fuels real change. Protecting it is our solemn duty.

Building Defenses: How We’re Fortifying Against Fraud
At Marie Stopes Uganda, we’re not waiting for the next threat, we’re proactively building barriers. Our anti-fraud strategy is woven into our DNA, aligning with best practices from the ACFE and global standards for NGO accountability. Here’s how we’re staying vigilant:

• Robust Internal Controls: We conduct regular audits, segregate financial duties, and use digital tools to track every transaction in real-time. Procurement processes are transparent, with multiple approvals to prevent kickbacks or inflated invoices.
• Staff Training and Awareness: Every team member, from outreach workers to finance leads, undergoes mandatory fraud prevention training. During Fraud Awareness Week, we’ll host internal workshops on spotting red flags like unusual expense patterns or unauthorized access attempts.
• Whistleblower Protections: We encourage reporting through anonymous channels, ensuring staff and partners feel safe to speak up. In line with the Global Fund’s anti-corruption policies, we investigate tips swiftly and discreetly.
• Technology as a Shield: From blockchain-inspired tracking for supply chains to AI-driven anomaly detection in donations, we’re leveraging tech to outpace fraudsters. Our recent partnership with Village Enterprise even integrates health services with financial literacy to empower communities against scams.

Join Us This Fraud Awareness Week

Fraud thrives in the shadows; exposure defeats it. Here’s how you can help:

1. Educate Your Teams: Host a fraud check-up seminar using free ACFE resources. Share stories like ours to humanise the stakes.
2. Strengthen Partnerships: If you’re a funder, demand transparent reporting. If you’re an NGO leader, benchmark against global standards—let’s lift each other up.
3. Amplify the Message: Post about #FraudAwarenessWeek on social media, tagging @MarieStopesUganda. Together, we can spark conversations that save resources and lives.
4. Support Ethical Impact: Choose partners like Marie Stopes Uganda, where every dollar is accounted for, and every service transforms a life.

Fraud may claim 5%, but united resolve reclaims 100% of our mission. At Marie Stopes Uganda, awareness isn’t enough, we are taking action.

Written by: Innocent Mugerwa – Internal Audit Assistant, Marie Stopes Uganda

UPCOMING EVENTS

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