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ISSUE 57 | OCTOBER 2023
AN OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FEDERATION OF UGANDA EMPLOYERS
FUENEWS
THE VOICE OF EMPLOYERS
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Dear Esteemed Member,
The final quarter of 2023 is here!
Policy and Advocacy is one of FUE’s core services that involves engagements with government and other relevant authorities to develop favorable policies that enhance business growth and sustainable development. As a tripartite constituent, the Federation with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) are working to introduce investors, companies and key stakeholders to
investment opportunities in refugee hosting communities since Uganda is currently accommodating over 1.4 million refugees, the highest number in Africa. There is an urgent need to create jobs and incorporate refugees into the labour market. FUE has been able to conduct investor round table discussions and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to provide Workers PAS Certificates to endorse skilled refugees and enable them access gainful employment under the ILO-Partnership for Improving Prospects for Forcibly Displaced Persons and Host Communities (PROSPECTS) project.
In a bid to enhance employer competiteveness, the Employer of the Year Award (EYA) Survey conducted annually invented a new category to identify and recognise outstanding Employers recruiting refugees as well as refugee-founded organisations that are applying best practices to conduct work operations. The EYA 2023 Survey was officially launched on Friday 6th October under the theme, ‘Employer Competitiveness in the Post COVID-19 Era’. The survey seeks to acknowledge organisations that adopted viable solutions to continue business operations despite the unprecedented times caused by the pandemic. Employers are encouraged to actively participate in the survey to share, learn and benchmark best human resource practices in the world of work.
As a key stakeholder on labour and employment matters, FUE participated in the inaugural Annual Labour Migration Conference (ALMC). The ALMC was organised by the African Union in collaboration with the ILO and other partners. The conference provided a platform for tripartite partners to foster dialogue, cooperation and consensus on labour migration governance and protection of rights of migrant workers. The recommendations from the conference will form an evidence base to address gaps in the implementation of continental, regional and national policy frameworks and creation of opportunities and pathways for regular labour mobility.
Congratulations to the newly elected Committee Members Mr. Milton Owor, the Chairperson and Ms. Deborah Maitum, the Vice-Chairperson, the FUE Finance, HR and Administration Committee, Ms. Brenda Kyasiimire, the Chairperson and Mr. Silvester Kasozi, the Vice-Chairperson, the FUE Member Services Committee and Ms. Hannah Mary Nakawunde, the Chairperson and Mr. Kelvin Musana, the Vice-Chairperson, the FUE Audit Committee. We applaud their commitment to the work of the Federation and wish them a fruitful tenure of service to the Employers’ fraternity.
Save the date for the 12th Annual Women Leadership Conference (AWLC) slated for Tuesday 7th November 2023 at the Kampala Serena Hotel from 8:00am (EAT)!
Thank you,
Together for Employers.
Douglas Opio
Executive Director.
CONTENTS
- The Executive Director’s Message
- Inclusive Private Sector Development In Forced Displacement Contexts Conference
- The Employer Of The Year Awards (EYA) Survey Launch 2023
- The Inaugral Annual Labour Migration Conference 2023
- FUE Committee Member Elections
- Extending Social Protection For Migrant Workers Workshop
- FUE Participates In Women In Leadership Validation Workshop
- FUE Acquires New Automobile
- Uganda at 61
- FUE Conducts Movit Young Leadership Training Programme
- The FUE-BMU Employers’ Webinar
- FUE Innovation Survey
- Upcoming Event
INCLUSIVE PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN FORCED DISPLACEMENT CONTEXTS CONFERENCE
The Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) participated in a 3-Day Conference on ‘Inclusive Private Sector Development in Forced Displacement Contexts,’ which took place from 17th to 19th October 2023 at the Speke Resort, Munyonyo, Kampala. The conference was organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in collaboration with the International Training Centre (ITC), the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) under the auspices of the ‘Partnership for Improving Prospects for Forcibly Displaced Persons and Host Communities’ (PROSPECTS). Participants came from Uganda, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan and Kenya.
The conference was a knowledge-sharing event to explore strategies of engaging and developing the private sector to create opportunities for both the displaced persons and marginalised host communities through decent employment and business development services to promote access to finance, self-employment, and cooperative development. It was also part of the preparation by PROSPECTS implementing partners for the implementation of the second phase of the project.
The PROSPECTS project is an intervention to the crisis of forced displacement in eight countries through facilitating transition from humanitarian to development-centered approach by improving access of the forcibly displaced people and vulnerable host communities to employment and livelihood opportunities. The project is supported by the Government of the Netherlands together with the ILO, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Bank.
In the first phase of this project, FUE as one of the project’s implementing partners that executed three aspects of the project namely;
a) Conducting Investor round table sessions in the selected refugee hosting districts where some investment opportunities and potential investors were identified
b) During the Employer of the Year (EYA) Awards 2022 Survey and Awards, outstanding Employers were identified and recognised for upholding best human resource practices providing employment opportunities to refugees
c) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) was also conducted in collaboration with Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) and National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) where 150 persons among refugees and the vulnerable host communities whose skills and knowledge acquired through work and life experiences needed to be certified, were identified and assessed for the award of Worker’s PAS Certificates to facilitate their integration into the labour market in Uganda.
In line with our policy and advocacy agenda, FUE is keen to work with the ILO and tripartite partners to enhance job creation and business growth in vulnerable communities to advance sustainable development.
THE EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS (EYA) SURVEY LAUNCH 2023
The world of work experienced various changes post COVID-19 disrupting the normal work routine. On Friday 6th October 2023, the Employer of the Year Awards (EYA) Survey 2023 was officially launched under the theme, ‘Employer Competitiveness in the Post COVID-19 Era’ at the Kampala Serena Hotel. Employers and business leaders from various sectors of the economy were in attendance.
Ms. Annet Nakawunde, the FUE Vice Chairperson, in her opening remarks emphasised the need for Employers to embrace innovation and adapt digital technology to continue work operations. She implored business leaders to evolve with the new changing work trends to thrive in the labour market. Ms. Nakawunde also assured participants of a fair and transparent survey process.
The EYA Consultant, Mr. Julius Kikooma, highlighted the survey will measure employer competitiveness in three dimensions i.e. Managerial Processes, Resources and the Impact of Company Performance. He revealed the addition of new award categories to recognise outstanding Employers in sectors of Agriculture, Tourism, NGOs and Services. Mr. Kikooma further implored the Employers’ fraternity to take advantage of the survey to improve systems and increase service delivery.
Special appreciation to our esteemed partners the International Labour Organisation, Enabel and International Rescue Committee for their tremendous support to the EYA survey.
Employers are hereby encouraged to participate in the survey to share, learn and benchmark best business practices.
Click the link to confirm participation:
Participation is FREE!
THE INAUGRAL ANNUAL LABOUR MIGRATION CONFERENCE 2023
According to the ‘Report on Labour Migration Statistics in Africa’ released by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Statistics Sweden (SCB), working-age international migrants in Africa increased from 13.2 million in 2010 to 20.2 million in 2019. In general, the average annual growth rate of migrant workers increased by nearly 5% from the year 2010 to 2019, with 72% of migrants active in the labour market in 2019.
FUE participated in the Inaugural Annual Labour Migration Conference (ALMC) which took place from 18th to 21st October 2023 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast under the theme ‘Africa’s Call To A Common Action And Position To Protect The Rights Of Migrant Workers’. The event was convened by the Africa Union Commission (AUC), International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and International Organisation for Employers (IOE). The broad aim of the conference was to foster cooperation and build consensus on labour migration governance and protection of Africa labour migrant workers. The conference brought together international agencies, social partners and government representatives of member states for instance Uganda was represented tripartite partners including FUE, officials from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU).
The ALMC 2023 provided an opportunity to build on already existing best practices and share experiences on key thematic areas of bilateral and multilateral labour agreements, fair and ethical recruitment, gender and violence at the workplace, social protection and skills development/recognition respectively. Seasoned business professionals featured as panelists in various interactive knowledge-sharing sessions on the above thematic areas whose recommendations culminated into a communique. Click the link below to view The AWLC 2023 Communique
Labour Migration is a profitable to access a skilled workforce, improve livelihoods and promote international trade. It is vital for Employers, the government and workers organisations to join efforts to promote decent work and ensure safety of migrant workers in the African region.
FUE COMMITTEE MEMBER ELECTIONS
FUE’s Governance Structure consists of the Governing Council and Committee Members made up of Employers within the membership community. The FUE Governing Council decide and formulate policies to achieve organisation objectives, appoint the Executive Director and approve work plans, budgets and financial statements. In addition, the Governing Council establishes committees to support specific purposes including Membership, Finance, Human Resources and Audit. These committees provide technical support and expert advice to ensure member satisfaction and efficient service delivery.
Congratulations to the newly elected Committee Members of the;
FUE Finance, Human Resource (HR) and Administration Committee;
1. Mr. Milton Owor, the Head of Human Resources and Administration, NSSF | Chairperson
2. Ms. Deborah Maitum, Head of Human Resources, NCBA Bank Uganda Ltd | Vice-Chairperson
FUE Member Services Committee;
1. Ms. Brenda Kyasiimire, Head of Perfomance and Development, Uganda National Roads Authority | Chairperson
2. Mr. Silvester Kasozi, Managing Director, Light for the World | Vice-Chairperson
FUE Audit Committee;
1. Ms. Hannah Mary Nakawunde, Finance Manager, Terrain Plant Ltd | Chairperson
2. Mr. Kelvin Musana, Chief Financial Officer, Standard Chartered Bank Uganda | Vice-Chairperson
We applaud these business professionals for their commitment to the work of the Federation and wish them a fruitful tenure of service.
EXTENDING SOCIAL PROTECTION FOR MIGRANT WORKERS WORKSHOP
The Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) participated at the regional tripartite and partners training on, ‘Extending Social Protection to Migrant Workers’ from 24th to 28th October 2023 in Mombasa, Kenya. The 5-day stakeholders’ capacity building workshop was organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) through the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM), FAIRWAY (an inter-regional initiative to improve labour migration conditions from Africa to the Arab States) and the Joint Programme on Labour Migration Governance for Integration and Development in Africa (JLMP LEAD) projects supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)-United Kingdom, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
The workshop was attended by representatives from relevant government agencies in charge of labour and social security, employers’ organisations, workers unions, and the Private Employment agencies (PrEAs) for Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Somalia, plus representatives from the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, Africa Union Commission, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa).
The main objective of the training was to enhance tripartite and partners’ understanding of the policy measures and strategies for extending social protection to all in the region with a particular focus on migrant workers and their families. The training was conducted drawing insights form the international social security standards, unilateral, bilateral and regional mechanisms to extend social protection to migrant workers and their families.
Key take-aways from the workshop;
- Strengthening social protection for migrant workers is critical as social protection is a human right
- There are numerous existing frameworks for social protection of migrant workers however the main challenge lies in the implementation process
- There is inadequate stakeholder coordination, synergy and duplication of efforts across the social protection spectrum at national and regional levels
- It is important to raise awareness among migrant workers about their rights and the relevant frameworks available for their entitlements
- Social protection for migrant workers should be covered irrespective of whether they (migrant workers) are working in the formal or informal economy
- Bilateral Labour Agreements (BLAs) do not replace social security agreements so there should be a clear distinction between the two
- During the development or revision of labour migration policies, countries may consider the inclusion of the Migrant Welfare Fund by following the African Union (AU) Guidelines and Kenya experience
- Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) can serve as an interim measure to promote the protection of migrant workers while awaiting for the development and implementation of formal policies
Recommendations;
- Enhance publicity and awareness campaigns among key stakeholders such as government officials (MDAs, legislators, local government leaders), workers, employers, and relevant civil society organisations on the importance of social protection including for migrant workers
- Advocate for increased national budget allocations for social protection and explore innovative financing mechanisms
- EAC and IGAD countries should consider negotiating BLAs as a block while negotiating with Arab countries to have a better bargaining power
Migrant Workers contribute to the economic development of hosting nations hence the need to create a conducive work environment for increased productivity and efficient service delivery.
FUE PARTICIPATES IN WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP VALIDATION WORKSHOP
The FUE Women’s Executive Chapter (FUEWEC) conducts the Female Future Program (FFP) to empower women leaders excel in their personal and professional leadership journey. On 4th October, we participated in a validation workshop for a report titled ‘Women Leadership in Uganda: A Case Study of FFP’. Participants included FUE members, aspiring women leaders, FFP candidates and government officials. The workshop was organised by British Council Uganda in partnership with Octaville, an advisory firm.
During the presentation of the report findings, Octaville commended the Federation for running the FFP that has been instrumental in building leadership capacity of women in all sectors of the economy. The consultants highlighted the need to ensure policies stipulated in Uganda’s laws on women leadership
are implemented in workplaces, in politics and the informal economy. Due to the significance of FFP, initiating a visibility campaign to advertise FFP across all regions to attract participants from all over the country was reiterated.
In addition, Octaville recommended that the government and learning institutions adopt the leadership program as a compulsory requirement for all aspiring women leaders. There was also a proposal to conduct a sensitisation for the male counterparts within the business community to understand the benefits of the program to organisational growth and promote a conducive work environment.
As an Employers’ body, we are determined to ensure gender equality and capacity building for women is at the top of the agenda of every organisation in order to achieve SDG 5 by 2030. We encourage all ladies to enroll for the FFP 2024 Intake to gain practical leadership skills.
FUE ACQUIRES NEW AUTOMOBILE
Membership Engagement is one of our core strategic objectives to reach our extensive network of Employers located in Kampala and in the Eastern, Western and Northern regions of Uganda with offices situated in Mbale, Kasese and Lira Districts respectively. Our wide membership base is managed by an account management system where all members are allocated a designated account manager to guarantee each organisation fully benefits from products and services stipulated in their membership category. Inspite of the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of digital tools of communication, we are keen on physical visits and face to face interactions in our service to Employers.
We are happy to announce that we have acquired a new automobile donated by the ILO that will facilitate the account management process to expand our reach to the regions, build rapport and extend quality services in real-time to our esteemed members. On Wednesday 18th October, Dr. Coffi Agossou, the Deputy Regional Director for Africa, ILO handed over the automobile to Mr. Douglas Opio, Our Executive Director at the ILO Kampala Office in Naguru.
As a tripartite constituent, FUE greatly appreciates the ILO for the technical and financial support that has been substantial to influence policy formulation, promote decent work and advance sustainable development in Uganda.
Uganda at 61
On Monday 9th October 2023, Uganda commemorated her 61st Independence Day. The day’s theme was, ’Sustaining a United and Progressive Nation: Taking Charge of Our Future As A Free Nation’. The event hosted in Kitgum district was attended by the Vice-President Jessica Alupo, the Deputy Prime Minister of Tanzania, the Chief Justice and the Deputy Speaker of Parliament among other dignitaries.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Guest of Honor in his speech paraphrased the eight-point essential factors of success for Uganda and Africa at large such as empowering the
private sector to create wealth, development of economic infrastructure and rejecting the pseudo-ideology of the politics of identity. He emphasised the need for regional and political integration of the East African Community and Africa to boost trade and economic growth. Mr. Museveni additionally reminded administrative and political leaders of their responsibility towards supporting the private sector to advance socio-economic transformation.
Furthermore, a total of 42 outstanding Ugandans were awarded medals such as former trade minister Amelia Kyambadde and Uganda’s long-distance runner, Joshua Cheptegei.
FUE appreciates the citizens of Uganda for their tremendous contribution to the peace and stability of this great nation. We look forward to celebrate notable milestones as a country.
FUE CONDUCTS MOVIT YOUNG LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAMME
The Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) in partnership with Movit Products Ltd recently celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of the Movit Young Leader Programme. The ceremony took place at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala and was attended by a number of dignitaries, including the keynote speaker, Mrs. Charity M Byarugaba, the Director of Pillars in the Palace Ltd, Mr. Munyagwa Nasser, the Group Chief Human Capital Officer of Movit Products Ltd, and Mr. Opio Douglas, the Executive Director of FUE.
The Movit Young Leader Programme is a three-month development program that equips the next generation of leaders with the requisite skills necessary to drive business. The program covers a wide range of topics, including leadership, communication, teamwork, project management, and problem-solving.
Mr. Douglas Opio, Our Executive Director highlighted the cordial relationship between FUE and Movit Products Ltd that led to the training partnership. He revealed that the leadership program is a remarkable example of how the private sector can work with government to develop the skills of our workforce. Mr. Opio further reiterated that The Movit Young Leader Programme will make a significant contribution to the future of Uganda’s economy.”
In her keynote address, Mrs. Byarugaba applauded FUE for conducting The Movit Young Leader Program that is a fundamental avenue for skills development and job creation. She emphasised the importance of leadership development for the future of Uganda through investing time and resources in equipping young people with knowledge, skills and tools to succeed in the global economy.
The graduation of the first cohort of the Movit Young Leader Programme is a major milestone for the program and for FUE. The program is already having a positive impact on the lives of its participants, and it is set to play a key role in developing the next generation of leaders in Uganda.
Professional development of the workforce through trainings and capacity building programs increase productivity, foster business growth and advance economic growth. FUE is committed to work with Employers to create a conducive work environment.
To request a customised training suited to your organisation needs, contact Yusuf Nsubuga, Our Training Manager on yusuf.nsubuga@fuemployers.org
THE FUE-BMU EMPLOYERS’ WEBINAR
Performance Management aims to create an environment where people can perform to the best of their abilities in alignment with the organisation’s overall goals. FUE in partnership with BrighterMonday Uganda (BMU) conducted an interactive webinar on, ‘Performance Pains and Gains: Rethinking Performance Management’ on Tuesday 24th February 2023 from 10:30am (EAT). Participants included business leaders, Human Resource Practitioners, Mid-Level Managers etc.
The webinar was conducted in form of an interactive discussion moderated by Ms. Xenia Wachira, the Country Manager, BMU with panelists
including Ms. Hilda Kabushenga Kragha, the CEO The African Talent Company, Mr. Kenneth Makanga, Partner, BDO East Africa, Mr. James Walusimbi, the HR Manager, Jubilee Life Insurance and Ms. Jackie Kamunyu, the HR Director, HR Beyond Limits.
Employers were advised to embrace and adapt digital tools and ways of work to conduct performance management. There was also need to build strong work relationships as people transition from full time office work to a hybrid working system. Additionally, HR practictioners were encouraged to understand the demographics of their workforce to customise effective performance management tools and strategies.
Therefore, its vital for organisations to re-learn and invent new ways to conduct appraisals and performance management to ensure personal and professional development of the workforce.
If you missed the training, you can recap it here;
Passcode: 3D6+jPN@
FUE INNOVATION SURVEY
In today’s dynamic business landscape, embracing innovation across all areas is key, extending beyond just products and digitisation for instance new approaches, funding models, customer engagement channels and other processes. As an esteemed FUE member, we recognise your ongoing efforts in innovation and transformation to stay competitive and relevant. We believe effective innovation management is crucial for efficiency and strategic value.
Therefore, the Federation has prepared an online survey to learn more about your initiatives, challenges and insights so that we can find ways to enhance your operations and methodologies. The feedback from the survey will directly impact the FUE Value Proposition and Member Benefits package to improve service delivery to the membership community.
After participating in the survey, you will receive;
- An exclusive report on industry insights regarding innovation
- A sensitisation webinar for all participating organisations
- Support in developing an innovation strategy for your organisation
Kindly spare 10 minutes to fill in the survey: https://1zzcvr583iv.typeform.com/to/IFcWzgAL
