President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced potential sweeping reforms in Uganda’s labour sector, focusing on establishing a minimum wage, phasing out casual labour, and tightening oversight of employment agencies. Speaking at the International Labour Day celebrations on May 2, 2025, at Nakaale Grounds in Nakapiripirit District, the President outlined a vision for inclusive job creation rooted in wealth generation. The event, themed “Consolidating on the Gains of the Parish Development Model (PDM) for Increased Productivity and Inclusive Job Creation,” underscored the government’s commitment to economic transformation.

President Museveni revealed that the Cabinet will revisit critical labour issues in June 2025, following discussions with workers at State House, Entebbe. “We talked about the minimum wage, the tripartite arrangement, and the issue of casual labour,” he said. “We are also going to look into employment agencies that exploit workers by standing between them and employers.” He emphasized a sector-by-sector approach to ensure practical and consultative solutions.

The President also criticized the reliance on foreign labour in sectors where Ugandans are qualified, questioning why foreign companies import workers when local talent is available. He pledged stricter scrutiny of institutions prioritizing foreign labour over Ugandans.

Central to Museveni’s address was the linkage between wealth creation and sustainable employment. “Jobs cannot exist without wealth,” he declared, citing the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a cornerstone of this strategy. He shared success stories of PDM beneficiaries, such as a Fort Portal entrepreneur employing 15 people through animal feed production and a Nakapiripirit farmer who transitioned from green grams to pig farming, now managing 35 pigs.

The President highlighted investments in infrastructure, including low-cost electricity, railways, affordable credit through the Uganda Development Bank (UDB), and cheaper internet, as critical enablers of wealth creation. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Uganda’s workforce includes 1.4 million factory workers, 3.6 million in agriculture, 5 million in services, 46,000 in ICT, and 480,000 in public service, with the private sector driving significant job growth.

Museveni praised the growing peace and development in Karamoja, while condemning cattle rustling as a barrier to progress. “A real cattle lover doesn’t steal,” he quipped, emphasizing both moral and practical reasons for rejecting such practices. He urged Ugandans to embrace patriotism and Pan-Africanism to expand market opportunities. “Factories and jobs mean nothing without a market. We need East Africa and beyond,” he said, highlighting the limitations of Uganda’s internal market.

The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi, described Uganda’s labour force as the economy’s backbone, with 73% of workers under 30, according to the 2024 UBOS Census. She stressed the need to protect workers’ rights and enhance productive employment. Hon. Anyakun Esther, Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, sought continued presidential support for the Third Decent Work Country Program (2025/26-2029/30), launched at the event, to improve working conditions and labour productivity.

Representing workers, Mr. John Oketcho of the Central Organization of Free Trade Unions (COFTU) praised Museveni’s leadership and the PDM’s role in poverty alleviation. Mr. Fred Bamwesigye of the Uganda Federation of Employers commended the NRM government for stabilizing the economy, noting Uganda’s low inflation and projected GDP growth of over 7%.

The event saw the launch of the Labour Market Information System and a Digital Job Matching System, alongside the Third Decent Work Country Program, aimed at promoting employment and workers’ rights. President Museveni also awarded medals to 61 individuals for their contributions to Uganda’s development.

Attended by dignitaries including the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, ministers, MPs, and diplomats, the celebrations underscored Uganda’s commitment to a dynamic, inclusive labour market driven by wealth creation and regional integration.

As the government prepares for further discussions in June, President Museveni’s vision signals a transformative approach to labour and economic policy, with the potential to reshape Uganda’s workforce for years to come.

In a pivotal meeting at State House in Entebbe, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni called for a transformative shift in Uganda’s approach to supporting its refugee population. He advocated for sustainable agricultural solutions instead of traditional humanitarian aid. Joined by officials from the World Food Programme (WFP), the discussions focused on reorganizing refugee settlements to maximize land use and promote economic independence through large-scale farming.

Uganda, one of the world’s leading refugee-hosting nations, currently shelters over 1.8 million displaced individuals, primarily from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi. President Museveni pointed out the inefficiencies of expansive refugee settlements, where scattered shelters impede productive land use. “The challenge is that most refugee settlements are spread out inefficiently, with vast areas occupied by makeshift shelters,” he said. “This hinders large-scale farming and economic activity.”

Proposing a bold restructuring, Museveni suggested creating compact, planned communities, similar to small campuses or villages, which would free up land for collective agriculture. He cited Nakivale Refugee Settlement, which spans 71 square miles, as a prime example of untapped potential. “With proper planning and investment, such land could be transformed into productive farmland that supports both refugees and host communities,” he noted. This approach, he argued, would allow refugees to grow their own food, generate surplus for sale, and reduce dependency on aid.

Museveni’s vision aligns with Uganda’s longstanding hospitality toward refugees, anchored in a Pan-African philosophy. “These people are not foreigners in the real sense,” he stated. “Many share ethnic and cultural ties with Ugandans. Our borders are artificial, drawn by colonialists. When they come here, we treat them as our own.”

WFP officials, led by Executive Director Cindy McCain, welcomed Museveni’s proposals and emphasized Uganda’s fertile land and agricultural potential. “The land here is very large and fertile,” McCain said. “As WFP, we are confident in your proposal to create agricultural opportunities.” She highlighted the potential for these initiatives to make refugee communities self-reliant, a message she pledged to convey to global donors. McCain also praised Uganda’s progressive refugee policies, describing the country as a global model. “We are impressed with how Uganda has boldly handled refugee resettlement,” she remarked. “Your government has opened its doors, showcasing your commitment to humanity and regional stability.”

Marcus Prior, WFP Country Director in Uganda, echoed McCain’s praise, commending the government’s collaboration, particularly with the Office of the Prime Minister under Hon. Eng. Hilary Onek. “We have an excellent working relationship, and that collaboration is key to our progress,” Prior stated. He also emphasized his team’s innovative approaches to resource efficiency, which ensure sustainable support for refugees. “We commend you for giving refugees a chance to rebuild their lives,” he told Museveni. “WFP will continue to explore every sustainable avenue to ensure they thrive with dignity.”

The meeting underscored a shared commitment to moving beyond emergency aid toward empowerment. As McCain noted, “We must support efforts that empower people rather than merely withdrawing aid.” With Uganda’s leadership and WFP’s partnership, the proposed agricultural reforms could redefine refugee support, fostering not just survival but also thriving communities that contribute to the nation’s economy.

The discussions, attended by WFP’s Deputy Regional Director Rukia Yacoub, Chief of Staff Meghan Latcovich, and other senior officials, signal a promising step toward sustainable refugee integration. As Uganda continues to set a global standard, the world watches and learns from its compassionate and forward-thinking approach.

Juba, South Sudan – On April 3, 2025, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda arrived in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, to begin an official working visit aimed at strengthening the ties between the two neighboring nations. He was warmly welcomed at Juba International Airport by his counterpart, President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who is hosting the visit.

The arrival ceremony featured a strong turnout of high-ranking South Sudanese officials, including the Minister of Presidential Affairs, Hon. Chol Mawut Ajongo; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Ramadan Muhammed Abdalla; and the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Chol Thon Balok. Several other senior government figures were also present to greet President Museveni, underscoring the importance of this visit.

Uganda was represented at the airport by key dignitaries such as the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth; Senior Presidential Advisor on Defense and Security, Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso; and Uganda’s Ambassador to South Sudan, H.E. Brig. Gen. Ronnie Balya, among others. The warm reception highlighted the mutual respect and cooperation between the two countries.

Shortly after his arrival, President Museveni inspected a guard of honor a ceremonial gesture that marked the official start of his visit. During his stay, the Ugandan leader is expected to hold bilateral talks with President Salva Kiir and other key stakeholders. While specific details of the discussions have not been disclosed, the meetings are anticipated to focus on enhancing diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation between Uganda and South Sudan, two nations with a shared history and strategic interests in the region.

This visit comes at a time when both countries are navigating complex regional dynamics, including peacebuilding efforts and economic development. President Museveni’s trip to Juba reaffirms Uganda’s commitment to fostering strong relations with South Sudan, a nation it has supported since its independence in 2011.

Further updates on the outcomes of the bilateral talks are expected as the visit progresses. For now, President Museveni’s presence in Juba signals a renewed effort for collaboration and mutual progress between the two East African neighbors.