Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

Uganda

Minimum Wage-Fixing Machinery Convention, 1928 (No. 26) (Ratification: 1963)
Protection of Wages Convention, 1949 (No. 95) (Ratification: 1963)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the ratified Conventions on wages, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 26 (minimum wage) and 95 (protection of wages) together.

Legislation. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the Employment Act, 2006, is currently under review and an Employment (Amendment) Bill, 2023, is before Parliament. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the developments in this regard, as well as a copy of the amended Employment Act, 2006, once adopted.

Minimum wage

Article 3 of Convention No. 26. Operation of the minimum wage-fixing machinery. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to readjust minimum wages which were last updated in 1984 and which are currently far below the estimated living wage and the poverty line. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that consultative processes are ongoing to determine the minimum wage in accordance with the Minimum Wages Advisory Boards and Wages Councils Act. The Committee once again urges the Government to: (i) take the necessary measures to readjust minimum wages, without further delay and in consultation with the employers’ and workers’ organizations, for the categories of workers within the scope of the application of the Convention; and (ii) provide information on any progress made in this respect.

Protection of wages

Article 1 of Convention No. 95. Coverage of all parts of the remuneration. In previous comments, the Committee noted the definition of wages under section 2 of the Employment Act, 2006, which excludes social security contributions and other benefits, and requested the Government to indicate the measures adopted to provide workers with the protection afforded in the Convention in relation to the elements of their remuneration which are excluded. The Government indicates that the ongoing review of the Employment Act, 2006, aims to provide a comprehensive definition of wages and that consultations with the social partners are ongoing in this respect. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures, including in the framework of the revision of the Employment Act, 2006, to provide workers with the protection afforded in the Convention in relation to the elements of their remuneration. It also requests the Government to provide information on the developments in this regard.

Articles 4 and 14(a). Partial payment in kind. Information on wages before entering employment. In response to previous comments, the Government indicates that regulations on the partial payment of wages in kind are under development and that efforts are under way to give effect to Article 14(a) of the Convention on information on wages before entering employment. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in this regard, including in the framework of the revision of the Employment Act, 2006.

Article 7(2). Works stores. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government has not communicated any information on measures taken or envisaged to apply this provision of the Convention. Recalling that Article 7(2) requires that where access to other stores or services other than those operated by the employer is not possible, the competent authority shall take appropriate measures in order to ensure that goods and services are sold at a fair and reasonable price and in the interest of the workers, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the application of this provision of the Convention.

Article 8. Deductions from wages. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s reference to section 19 of the Public Service Standing Order, 2021, which provides an overall limit of 50 per cent for deductions from wages of public officials. However, it notes that no overall limit for deductions is provided under the Employment Act, 2006, for other categories of employees. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures for the establishment of specific and overall limits to deductions of wages on all categories of employees, including in the framework of the ongoing revision of the Act.

Article 12(1). Regular payment of wages. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that according to the National Labour Force Survey of 2021, 13 per cent of workers experienced non-payment of wages in 2021. The Government notes that the Industrial Court of Uganda has heard several cases on unpaid wages and ordered payment. The Government also indicates that it is working on a management information system to ensure that data on these cases are collected and well recorded. The Committee requests the Government to continue to make every effort with a view to the complete settlement of wage arrears and to ensure efficient control and supervision of regular wage payment in the country and to indicate the results, including through the creation of the management information system.