Kampala — May 28, 2026 — The National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU), with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) through the PROSPECTS programme, convened a national dialogue in Kampala to address challenges and opportunities in Uganda’s growing platform economy.
The meeting brought together trade unions, platform workers, service providers, academics, government officials, UNHCR representatives, and regional experts. Discussions focused on decent work concerns such as unclear employment relationships, limited social protection, occupational safety risks, opaque payment systems, and barriers to collective bargaining.
ILO Country Office Director Khamati Mugalla emphasized that innovation must not come at the expense of workers’ rights, while NOTU Secretary General Richard Bigirwa highlighted the need for stronger compliance and enforcement mechanisms. The dialogue also reviewed Uganda’s draft national framework on formalizing and protecting platform workers.
A key outcome was the development of a shared trade union position on the proposed ILO Convention and Recommendation for platform workers. The position calls for fair remuneration, transparent automated systems, accessible dispute resolution, occupational safety, and the extension of social security.
The dialogue contributes to Uganda’s preparations for the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, ensuring that platform workers’ rights are represented in global discussions. Stakeholders agreed to continue strengthening trade union capacity, advancing social dialogue, and supporting voluntary social security savings through the National Social Security Fund.
This initiative reflects Uganda’s commitment to building a fairer, more inclusive platform economy, grounded in decent work and social justice.
