Assessing The Legal Framework And Policies Affecting The Operation Of Labour Unions In Uganda

ABSTRACT

The study examined the /ega/framework and policies affecting the operation of labour unions in Uganda. The research analyzed the challenges in the realization of workers' rights under

trade unions and examined the level of effectiveness of trade unions in protection of workers' rights in Uganda. Uganda is a state party to the International Covenant on Economic Social

and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and other international labour conventions. Uganda has also enacted laws, created institutions and made provision for workers to have representatives in

Parliament. The study found that the realisation of workers' rights was dependent on, among other things, enforcement of labour laws and rights, efficiency of Labour Officers in resolving labour issues and active participation of trade unions in the resolution of labour matters. The investigation observed that the rights most commonly violated were the right to equal pay for equal work done, provision of contracts of employment and in some instances,

the right to freedom of association. Consequently, labour rights appear to largely remain on paper the investigations have shown that workers rights are indeed not highly respected or protected There is no promotion either due to wrangles between trade unions which inhibits the expansion of union services as well as the inability or non-availability of Labour Officers to reach and address workers under their jurisdiction. In view of the findings, the study recommended, among others, that: employers conduct more on job training for workers; employees be supported by their employers in the formation and joining of labour unions;

employers should increase wages and give fairer terms of employment for casual labourers; all workers should ensure their health and safety at the work place; the facilitation of labour

offices should be centralised as most district local governments tend not to have szifficient funding for their operations; need for the strengthening and adequate resourcing of the labour function in lvfoGLSD; government should set a minimum wage for workers in accordance with the type of work done and level of qualifications of the worker; and, Trade unions should cultivate and maintain working relationships with management, labour office and workers to enhance resolution of issues afficting workers in a given institution.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION ............................................................................................................. i

APPROVAL ................................................................................................................... ii

DEDICATION .............................................................................................................. iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................................. iv

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .......................................................................................... v

STATUTES ................................................................................................................... vi

INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS ........................................................................... vi

LIST OF CASES ....................................................................................................................................... vii

ABSTRACT .............................................................................................................................................. viii

CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................ I

Introduction and General Backgrround ............................................................................ l

1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................... !

1.1 Background of the study ............................................................................................ 2

1.2 Statement of the problem ........................................................................................... 7

1.3.0 Objectives of the study ............................................................................................ 8

1.3.1 General Objective .............................................................................................................................. S

1.3.2 Specific Objectives ............................................................................................................................. 8

1.4 Research questions ..................................................................................................... 8

1.5 Significance of the study ............................................................................................ 8

1.6 Methodology ............................................................................................................. 9

I. 7 Scope of the study ...................................................................................................... 9

1.8 Literature review ...................................................................................................... l 0

1.9 Organisation of chapters .......................................................................................... 16

CHAPTER TW0 ......................................................................................................... 17

LEGAL FRAMEWORK GOVERNING RIGHTS OF WORKERS ............................... 17

2.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 17

2.1 Legal Framework for the Protection of Workers' Rights .......................................... 17

2.1.1 National ................................................................................................................ l7

2.1.1.1 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995 .................................................... 17

2.1.1.2 Employment Act 2006 ....................................................................................... 18

ix

2.1.1.3 Labour Union Act 2006 ...................................................................................... 19

2.1.3.4 Workers Compensation Act Cap 225 .................................................................. 20

2.1.1.5 Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2006 ......................................................... 20

2.1.1.6 Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act 2006 ..................................... 21

2.2. Institutional Framework .......................................................................................... 21

2.2.1 Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development/Labour Office ...................... 22

2.2.2 Industrial Court ..................................................................................................... 22

2.2.3 Trade Union Associations ..................................................................................... 23

2.3 Regional .................................................................................................................. 23

2.3.1 African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (African Charter) ........................ 23

2.4 International Legal Framework ................................................................................ 24

2.4.1 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) .................................................. 24

2.4.2 The Convention Concerning Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to

Organise (ILO Convention No. 87) ................................................................................ 24

2.4.3 International Covenant in Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), 1966.25

CHAPTER THREE ..................................................................................................... 26

CHALLENGES IN THE REALIZATION OF WORKERS' RIGHTS UNDER TRADE

UNIONS ....................................................................................................................... 26

3.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 26

3.2 The Right to Personal Dignity and Safety ................................................................ 28

3.3 The State Interference with Workers Freedom of Association .................................. 29

3.4 The violation of Freedom of Assembly ................................................................... 29

3.4 Protection of Trade Union Prope1ty ......................................................................... 30

3.5 International Affiliation ........................................................................................... 30

3.6 The interference on freedom of Opinion and Expression .......................................... 31

CHAPTER FOUR ....................................................................................................... 33

FINDINGS AND ANAL YSIS ....................................................................................... 33

4.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 33

4.1 Findings of the labour laws and what affects their operation in Uganda ................... 33

4.2 The current operation of labour unions in Uganda .................................................... 34

4.3 The current government programs to improve the operation of labour unions in Uganda

........................................................................................... 35