Examination Of The Contradictions Within The Employment Laws Regarding Labor Rights A Case Study In Uganda

ABSTRACT

This research sought to investigate the Employment industry and its laws and regulations in

Uganda. Specifically the study looks at the contradictions within the Employment laws regarding

labor rights and the therein as applied to Uganda. The objectives of the research are to find out in

general how the employment laws and regulations are being applied in Uganda, assess their

applicability establishing the cun-ent working conditions of Employees, review the Employment

Regulatory Bodies and to come up with effective mechanisms that can be utilize by the

Employment Regulatmy Authority and other professional associations in monitoring and

supervising Employment industry. With use of different research methods, the study is intended

to examine the efficiency of the Uganda Law Reforms and International Labour Organization

regarding labor rights. The research looked at the literature review in the domain of the industry

and its regulations. The review intends to bring fourth various contradictions within the

Employment laws and regulations regarding labour rights and possible recommendations to

various bodies. The government is required to re-consider the rationale that enforcing labour

rights is at odds with a strong economy and may discourage Investment and cease sheltering

foreign investors from enforcement of labour rights. Therefore, it should among other things

Sponsor mandatory seminars for employers, on the content of and duties imposed by the country's

new labour laws. The Directorate of Labour should Increase funding and facilitation of labour

inspectors, support labour officers in providing increased protection for the freedom of association

through enforcement of sanctions against employers who fail to recognize and bargain with

unions and who punish employees for participating in union activities. In conclusion, it is clear

from the failure of government to allocate necessary resources to the Directorate of Labour and to

operationalize key, institutions such as the Industrial court that the political will needs to give

effect to Uganda's new laws is lacking. This is predominantly due to the prevailing liberal

economic policy. pursuant to which the protection of the rights of workers is viewed as being at odds with development.