The national minimum wage debate in Uganda is gaining renewed attention as the government initiates efforts to establish a fair wage floor. This initiative seeks to address years of low pay and unregulated employment across key sectors.
At the launch of TCL electronics in Mbale, State Minister for Investment Evelyn Anite revealed that President Museveni is now directly guiding the wage reform process.
“The President is leading the discussions… it is time to talk about a minimum wage,” Anite said.
Museveni Directs Ministry to Convene Stakeholders
President Museveni instructed the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to organize a tripartite forum. This forum will bring together government officials, employers, and workers’ representatives. The goal is to agree on a legally binding minimum wage.
Anite explained that Uganda had prioritized job creation in recent years. With over 1.2 million jobs now established, she argued that it is time to focus on fair compensation.
“It’s unfair for someone to start work at 6AM and end at 5PM for a meagre, unregulated wage,” she added.
Uganda Has No Functional Minimum Wage Law
Uganda does not currently enforce a national minimum wage. The last statutory figure—Shs60,000 per month—was set in 1984 and has become irrelevant due to inflation. In 2015, Parliament passed a Minimum Wage Bill, but President Museveni rejected it, saying it might scare off investors.
Now, with improved job numbers and increasing calls for reform, government leaders say the time is right to reintroduce the discussion.
Concerns About Worker Exploitation Persist
Many of Uganda’s new jobs fall into informal or low-paid categories. Reports show that some companies, especially in construction and manufacturing, pay workers Shs5,000–10,000 per day. These workers often lack contracts, benefits, or legal protections.
One such company is the Tian Tang Group, a Chinese-owned electronics manufacturer. It assembles TCL televisions and refrigerators in Mbale. According to Jiakun Luke Wang, the company currently employs about 250 people and plans to double that figure when its new facility opens next month.
Labour Groups Push for Reform
For years, civil society and labour unions have urged the government to implement a minimum wage. They believe this policy would improve livelihoods, especially for semi-skilled workers. Many view Museveni’s latest position as a positive step, though with cautious optimism.
Employers have expressed concerns. They warn that mandatory wages could raise operating costs and reduce competitiveness. However, workers insist that wage protections are essential to reducing poverty.
The Ministry of Gender plans to begin stakeholder forums in Kampala, Jinja, and Mbale in the coming weeks. These discussions will help define what qualifies as a living wage in today’s economy.
For related developments on economic and labor policy, see how Uganda landlords are resisting the EFRIS monthly receipt requirement and how South Africa faces U.S. trade penalties over market access.
To understand how low pay affects public health and worker dignity, you can review this Parliamentary debate on minimum wage and mental health.
