AN ANALYSIS ON THE RIGHTS OF CASUAL WORKERS IN UGANDA

Table of contents

Declaration ............................................................................................................... ii

Approval ................................................................................................................. 111

Dedication ............................................................................................................... iv

Acknowledgement .................................................................................................... v

Table of contents ..................................................................................................... vi

Abstract .................................................................................................................. ix

CHAPTER ONE .......................................................................................................... 1

INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY ................................................................................ 1

1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Background of the Study ..................................................................................... 1

1.2 Statement of the Problem .................................................................................... 3

1.3 Purpose of the study ........................................................................................... 4

1.4 Objectives to the study ........................................................................................ 4

1.5 Research question ............................................................................................... 4

1.6 Scope of the study .............................................................................................. 4

1.7 Significance of the study ...................................................................................... 5

1.8 Methodology ....................................................................................................... 5

1.9 Literature review ................................................................................................. 6

CHAPTER TWO ....................................................................................................... 15

WORKERS CONDITIONS IN UGANDA ....................................................................... 15

2.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 15

2.1 The Prevalent Workers' Conditions in Uganda ..................................................... 15

2.2 Labour Laws and Institutions in Uganda ............................................................. 18

CHAPTER THREE .................................................................................................... 21

WORKERS' RIGHTS AND THEIR DIGNITY ................................................................. 21

3.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 21

3.1 Workers' Rights as a Measure of the Regard of their Dignity ................................ 22

3.2 A Right to a Fair Remuneration .......................................................................... 23

3.3 The Minimum Wage .......................................................................................... 24

3.4 The Rights to Safety, Health and Worker's Compensation .................................... 26

3.5 Right to Holidays ............................................................................................... 26

3.6 Rights on Termination of Employment ................................................................ 27

3.7 Workers Right to Organize (Freedom of Association) ........................................... 27

3.8 Hurdles in Regarding Workers' Dignity ................................................................ 28

CHAPTER FOUR ...................................................................................................... 30

MEDIATION AND ARBITRATION IN LABOUR DISPUTES IN UGANDA .......................... 30

4.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 30

4.1 Classification of Labor disputes .......................................................................... 31

4.2 Industrial Court and labor disputes in Uganda ..................................................... 32

4.3 Justification for the popularity of ADR in Public Sector Employment management. 34

4.4 Mediation and Employment Dispute Resolution ................................................... 35

CHAPTER FIVE ....................................................................................................... 39

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................. 39

5.1 Conclusion ........................................................................................................ 39

5.2 Recommendation .............................................................................................. 39

References ............................................................................................................. 41 

Abstract 

The purpose of this study is to carry out an analysis on the rights of casual workers in Uganda. The study was guided by three objectives namely: To examine the current working conditions of casual workers in Uganda and how they handle work disputes. To examine the legal framework governing labour disputes and workers condition in Uganda. To establish the role of labour unions in its Regard for Workers' Rights and dispute settlement. The issue of advocacy for the workers' dignity and enforcement of the worker's rights has generally received limited attention in Uganda labour laws and industrial relations literature, although internationally it has been widely written about. The Uganda labour force was reported to be the sixth largest in sub-Saharan Africa, totaling to 8.4 million workers in 1993. Even before the global economic crisis in 2008/9, the overwhelming majority of Uganda's labour force had experienced difficulties at work. The study has achieved its main objective that regard for workers' dignity and controlling of labor disputes by all tripartite structures is indispensable for the improvement of the workers' conditions. Therein, the study revealed the poor working conditions and the injustices which were manifested in discrimination at work, sexual harassment, poor health/medical care, denial of terminal benefits, 'casualness, low remunerations, violence, cruelty, torture and lack of respect for the subordinates. It was also established that there exist poor relations between the employers and employees and amongst workers themselves. Astoundingly, it was also confirmed that ignorance among workers still prevails. Credibly, it is important to underscore that the study has contributed to the entire economic theory and particularly to human resource management theory and practice. The Ministry should further establish the Occupational Health and Safety Board to advise the Minister on policy and standards related to OSH matters. The Government should work to finalize the Industrial Relations Charter in close consultation with the social partners to ensure swift and greater clarity on the matter of trade union representatively.