The 3rd Annual National Labour Convention and Expo (ANLCE) officially commenced today at Mestil Hotel, Kampala, with a compelling keynote address by Hon. Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
She emphasized the urgent need for stronger compliance with employment laws as a cornerstone for creating decent jobs, fostering economic empowerment, and achieving inclusive growth.
This year’s convention, themed “Strengthening Compliance to Employment Law: A Prerequisite for Decent Jobs, Economic Empowerment and Inclusive Growth,” is a two-day event designed to foster dialogue among government officials, private sector leaders, legal experts, and worker representatives on the future of work in Uganda.
In her keynote remarks, Minister Amongi highlighted the transformative role of employment governance in addressing youth unemployment, regional economic disparity, and the challenges presented by the digital economy. “If we are to harness the potential of our youthful population—over 78% under the age of 35—we must ensure compliance with labour laws and invest in the skills and protections needed for a modern workforce,” she noted.
The highlight of Day One was a robust panel discussion under the thematic topic, “Navigating the Future of Work in Uganda: Ensuring Fair Employment Practices and Legal Compliance in a Technology-Driven Workplace.” The panel featured a distinguished lineup of experts, including Dr. Aggrey David Kibenge, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
He noted a key takeaway from the previous year’s expo which was the plan to digitize labor administration to align with global trends and Uganda’s digital transformation roadmap.
He explained that the primary objective of this year’s convention is to foster a deeper understanding of the labor law framework while exploring practical solutions for strengthening compliance across all sectors.
The session was moderated by renowned news anchor and show host Samson Kasumba.
Discussions revolved around the impacts of the gig economy, artificial intelligence in the workplace, occupational safety and health, and legal strategies to adapt Uganda’s employment policies to rapidly changing market conditions. The panelists shared valuable insights and called for multi-sectoral collaboration to address gaps in regulation and enforcement.
The Convention, which also features an ongoing exhibition showcasing innovations in legal aid, fair recruitment, and worker support services, continues tomorrow with more in-depth sessions and networking opportunities. Organizers anticipate that the event will reach over 3,000 participants through both physical and virtual platforms.
The Ministry, in collaboration with S&L Advocates and several development partners, is leveraging this year’s convention to mobilize stakeholders around policy reform, public-private partnerships, and innovation as Uganda prepares for a tech-centric future of work.
For updates and access to Day 2 sessions, participants can join via Zoom: http://bit.ly/3GlFJTp.
