The 3rd Annual National Labour Convention and Expo (ANLCE) 2025 came to a close today at Mestil Hotel, Kampala, after two days of engaging discussions and high-level dialogue on strengthening employment law compliance and shaping the future of work in Uganda.
Day Two, moderated by renowned journalist Samson Kasumba of NBS, maintained the momentum with insightful contributions from policy leaders and development partners. The convention’s closing sessions echoed a unified call for urgent reforms, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and inclusive strategies to support both formal and informal workers.
Hon. Esther Anyakun Davinia, State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, highlighted the need to bolster the Industrial Court’s capacity. “We urgently need to recruit more judges to the Industrial Court,” she stated. “A strong judiciary is essential for enforcing labour rights and resolving disputes efficiently.”
Representing the International Labour Organization, Ms. Caroline Mugalla announced a landmark milestone for Uganda’s labour sector. “The third Decent Work Country Programme will be officially launched by His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni on May 1st, Labour Day. This marks a renewed commitment to accelerating Uganda’s progress toward achieving decent work for all,” she affirmed.
Mr. Pius Bigirimana, a long-standing advocate for social protection, emphasized the need to expand the reach of Uganda’s social security systems. “We must broaden coverage beyond the formal sector to include informal and self-employed workers,” he noted, citing the vulnerability of many Ugandans working outside traditional employment structures.
The convention, which was organized by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in partnership with S&L Advocates, opened on April 23rd with a keynote address from Minister Hon. Betty Amongi. She stressed the critical role of employment law compliance in unlocking job creation, economic empowerment, and equitable growth.
A panel discussion on Day One brought together prominent voices including Mr. Moses Sseggawa (S&L Advocates), Ms. Melissa Keyune (ILO PROSPECTS Uganda), Mr. Emmanuel Yeka (MGLSD), Mr. Christian Wavamuno (SafeBoda), and Mr. Andrew Kabera (Post Bank Uganda). They tackled topics such as fair recruitment, the impact of technology on employment, the gig economy, and mental health in the workplace.
Running under the theme “Strengthening Compliance to Employment Law: A Prerequisite for Decent Jobs, Economic Empowerment and Inclusive Growth,” ANLCE 2025 attracted over 3,000 participants both in-person and online. It featured exhibitions from legal aid providers, tech innovators, and worker support organizations, and served as a key prelude to the upcoming International Labour Day celebrations.
As the convention concluded, stakeholders reaffirmed their shared responsibility to foster decent work, safeguard labour rights, and build a future-ready workforce. The outcomes and recommendations from ANLCE 2025 are expected to inform national policy frameworks and catalyze reforms aimed at inclusive growth and sustainable economic transformation.
