Uganda marks Labour Day with focus on decent work and economic priorities

2 May 2026, 11:15 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Much as the origin of the establishment of International Labour Day stems from protests by American workers in 1886 demanding an eight-hour workday, which prompted socialist parties and trade unions in 1889 to set aside 1st May, first internationally celebrated in 1890, workers across the globe continue to face various challenges. It is against this background that Uganda yesterday joined the rest of the world to commemorate the day.

Celebrations were held under the theme, “Safeguarding Uganda’s Progress: Empowering the Workforce and Promoting Decent Work for Competitive Enterprises,” at Nkoyoyo Boarding Primary School Grounds in Matale, Buikwe District. President Yoweri Museveni, who was the chief guest, advised leaders of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to invest in ventures such as road tolls, noting that they could yield higher returns compared to car bonds.

The President also guided the Ministry of Education and Sports to ensure that learners pursue courses aligned with the current needs of society. He illustrated this with an example: “I asked one of the Bazzukulu what she had studied, and she told me ‘Swaswa.’ When I asked what it meant, she said it was about psychology. I asked where she could work, and she said in prisons to determine which prisoner might want to escape. It is good knowledge, but how many prisons do we have? All those are good, but we must prioritize according to need,” he was quoted.

Additionally, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, appreciated the President for maintaining peace and security in the country. “For any country to prosper, you need peace and security. We thank you for that. Ugandans are able to eat food because of peace,” she said. Vice President Jessica Alupo echoed similar sentiments, thanking the President for championing peace and for the formulation of government policies.

The Woman Member of Parliament for Buikwe District, Diana Namisimwa, raised concerns affecting the district, including unemployment among fishermen. In response, the President assured that the issue would be addressed, although he questioned the number of people working on lakes and islands, suggesting that there must be limits, citing biblical references from the book of Genesis on creation.

The State Minister for Labour, Esther Anyakun, who also served as co master of ceremonies, gave a brief background of the host school. She noted that it was established in 1958 and later taken over by the government in 1961. “Your Excellency, I studied at this school. It was established 68 years ago. When you came here in 2012, you contributed Uganda Shillings 100 million, and the school was appreciative,” she said. The Ministry of Education was tasked to follow up on the school’s outstanding requests.

Meanwhile, Gerald Ssendaula, chairman of the Board of Trustees at Sports Club Villa, in a recent interview, advised workers against premature expectations. “It is not good to count your eggs before they are laid. But as long as you have a layer, you can be certain eggs will come. What has been achieved in the first 50 years is commendable, and the next 50 years could be even better,” he said.

The celebrations were attended by various dignitaries and members of the public, including Local Council One leaders such as Sande Nkoyooyo Kiwana of Kisenyi. A total of 50 medals in different categories, including the Nalubaale medals, were awarded during the event.