By our reporters
Uganda cabinet has approved ratification of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 190 which seeks to protect workers and other persons in the World of work against sexual harassment and violence, officials said. Gender, Labour and Social Development Ministry Labour Officer Ms Hilda Nakagga said Uganda is ready to complete the process and was only awaiting confimration from the ILO. “The ratification was discussed and approved by Uganda cabinet early July this year,” she said. Ms Nakagga said the latest development followed demands by civil society organisations and labour unions in the country. The labour officer said the Ugandan cabinent did not see any impediment in the process since it was in conformity with the 1995 Uganda Constitution. Ms Nakagga revealed that the cabinet document has been submitted to Internal Affairs Ministry for onward transmission to ILO. ” According to procedure once the government approval has been published on ILO website then it shall be ready for implementation. Ms Nakagga was speaking at Stakeholders function during launch of a report on Occupational and Safety by Public Service International (PSI). The report indicates that three out of five persons in the health and education sectors have suffered sexual harrassment at workplaces. The PSI report indicates that 60% of the workers have fallen victims .At least 20 % have reported harassment and 53% fear to report while 27% are intimidated into silence. It was generally agreed that sexual harassment and violence at workplaces thrives because of the knowledge gap among employees. Female Workers Member of Parliament Hon. Agnes Kunihira said it is suprising to note that despite Uganda having one of the best labour laws in the world most workers do not know their rights at workplaces. She said Some workers are too lazy and not interested in reading the laws that protect them at workplaces. “Due to lack of knowledge and laxity in enforcing laws managers and employers violate Labour laws with impunity,” She said. Workers Member of Parliament Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi told the Workers Eye that ratifying ILO conventions is good but what has been the missing link is their implementation. He said there is urgent need to educate employees and workers generally on the existing laws but government ought to put in place mechanisms for effective implementation of the laws. The trade unionist who is former Sports State Minister, said there has been a disconnect on the tripartite family (government, Employers and Employees/ workers) where forces of demand and supply driven by privatization has allowed the so called investors to exploit workers. The ILO Convention 190 protects employees and applies to all sectors , public or private – both in the formal or informal economy. It ensures the right of everyone in the world of work to be free from violence and harassment. including gender based violence■
