Disability / Work Injury Benefit
Employers are liable for compensation for personal injuries from accidents or occupational diseases arising out of and in the course of employment, unless the injury results in neither permanent incapacity nor at least three consecutive days of incapacitation from earning full wages. Injuries sustained while protecting individuals or property on employer premises or during direct travel to/from work are deemed work-related, with the employee required to prove direct travel. Accidents in the course of employment are presumed to arise out of employment unless proven otherwise, and compensation is payable regardless of the worker’s negligence.
Work injuries are categorized into four types: (i) permanent total incapacity, (ii) permanent partial incapacity, (iii) temporary incapacity, and (iv) fatal injuries leading to the worker’s death. Compensation for permanent incapacity or death is typically paid periodically, with lump sums possible as per the Act.
Temporary incapacity, whether total or partial, is compensated via lump sums or periodic payments, as determined by the court, based on the accident’s circumstances, injury duration, and financial impact on the worker and dependents. Hospitalization or certified absence qualifies as temporary total incapacity, while the period before final disability assessment is treated as temporary partial incapacity. Periodic payments are capped at 96 months but may be extended if medically justified. During the period of temporary total incapacity, the employer shall be liable to pay the costs of medical care.
Permanent partial incapacity compensation is a percentage of 60 times monthly earnings, based on the loss of earning capacity per the Second Schedule for listed injuries or proportionally for unlisted ones. Multiple injuries from the same accident are aggregated, capped at the permanent total incapacity amount. The Minister may adjust compensation on the labour advisory board’s recommendation.
Permanent total incapacity compensation equals 60 months’ earnings, unless contract terms provide more, with a 25% increase if constant assistance is permanently required. For fatal injuries, eligible survivors, including substantially dependent family members such as children and parents, receive a lump sum equal to 60 times the deceased’s average monthly earnings in the 12 months before death, subject to a maximum set by the Minister.
Workers are presumed to have dependents unless disproven by the local authority. If prior disability benefits were paid for the same injury or disease, 50% of their value is deducted. Fully dependent survivors receive the full benefit. If no dependents exist, the employer covers medical care, funeral expenses, and related costs. Compensation is paid to the labour commissioner for distribution to beneficiaries based on dependency.
Source: §3-7, 11 of Workers' Compensation Act of 2000, last amended in 2023; ISSA Country Profile for Uganda
