News in Uganda

4 April 2020 - Health workers in Uganda that fall under the umbrella organisation of the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) have expressed severe distress towards cases of harassment against them in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The latest case recorded is of a medical worker who ranks as Senior House Office who  was beaten up by the authorities on his way to the hospital.

According to the UMA, the problem arises out of a lack of identification proof for the health workers and medical staff which leaves authorities unable to verify verbal credibility. These concerns were voiced by Dr Mukuzi Muhereza, the Secretary-General of the UMA, who also stated that they hadn’t received the promised car stickers for health workers for their ease of movement. He also added that medical staff would be forced to lay down their tools and give up work if this persists. Take the survey on Life and Work during Covid-19

23 March 2020  -  As the Coronavirus pandemic rises in Uganda with cases escalating every day, the government has issued guidelines that warn employers against the unlawful sacking of workers. The guidelines will  also act as a systematic move to keep  workers from their insecurities of being laid off and to uphold the rights of the workers.

The additional guidelines have been developed in consultation with labour unions and have been made in accordance with the Employment Act. Additionally, these guidelines act as a measure to guarantee re-employment if the worker has been temporarily laid off. It also mandates the employer to have a signed contract with the employee if they are temporarily laid off that stipulates the date when the worker would resume services. Learn more about work and life during the COVID-19 pandemic