BY ALVIN OUMA AND TONNY BAKWERANE
The National Organization of Trade Unions (NOTU) has demanded for workers representation on the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) .The federation has also demanded for two slots reserved for workers so that they are involved in decision – making processes as they defend and promote labour rights.
NOTU Chairman General Mr Musa Okello said workers have for a long time been denied representation on many statutory bodies yet the most important factor of the entities is labour.
He said that two slots on the Uganda Tourism Board be reserved for workers, adding that institutions that include workers on their boards of Directors are better placed to achieve positive results.
“Institutions that include workers on their boards of Directors are better placed to achieve positive results,” he said.
Mr Okello was speaking during a consultative workshop organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) and NOTU on October 23, 2026 at Kampala Imperial Royale hotel.
He said:” Denying workers representation on public agencies adversely undermines their contribution to decision – making process despite being in both government and private institutions.”
The one – day meeting provided an opportunity for trade union leaders, social partners, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities plus Gender, Labour and Social Development Ministry , Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE), among others, to review key provisions of the draft Tourism (amendment) bill.
Tourism Development Officer Mr James Mboijana said they have made big strides in developing and promoting both the domestic and foreign oriented tourism sector notwithstanding ever growing impediments.
“We have made big strides in improving the tourism industry notwithstanding ever growing impediments. Government has advised local investors to improve tour and hospitality ahead of 2027 AFCON tournament,” he said.
Mr Mboijana acknowledged concerns of the workers that government and its agency the Uganda Tourism Board , have not marketed adequately Uganda’s tourism potential.
Senior Business Development Officer at Tourism Ministry Mr Umar Muwonge said planned reforms are going to help in building a competitive and sustainability tourism industry that will contribute to economic growth and national development.
He said:” We are seeking to strengthen collaboration between government institutions, local governments, the private sector and tourism agencies in bid to improve coordination across the industry.
”Workers Member of Parliament Hon. Annet Birungi said as an outgoing member on NSSF Board of Directors she comprehends better the importance of having workers’ representatives on statutory boards.
“Giving workers two slots on the tourism board of Directors gives workers a platform to be heard and to effectively play an oversight role while defending and promoting labour rights,” She said.
Hon Birungi said workers are the backbone of Uganda’s economy but hastened to add consulting workers before making laws helps policymakers to comprehend challenges faced in generating income and service delivery.
“Policies and plans developed without workers’ involvement can undermine productivity since it would not be reflecting workers’ concerns,” She said.
The legislator made a disclaimer that she is not part of the elements dividing workers with the new Solidarity “Labour Centre”. “During 2026 election campaigns I promised to unite workers and thrust them to an avenue that brings them together in unity for a purpose.,” She said.
Senior Labour Officer (Industrial Relations) at Gender, Labour and Social Development (GLSD) Ministry Ms Hilda Nakagga said they are committed to ensuring enforcement of labour standards, safety of workers and decent work.
She said the tourism sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in the economy adding that while key players are preoccupied with creation of jobs and making money, decent work, welfare and social security must be given special attention.“ Our Ministry remains committed to coordination of workers’ programs and ensuring that Labour laws are enforced in the country,” She said.
NOTU Secretary General Mr Richard Bigirwa said tourism is prioritized under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and stronger legislation and policies can unlock the sectors’ marketing potential.
He said consulting workers and other key players on matters pertaining to decent work is timely and essential for the tourism sector.“ Enforcement of any regulations should always observe sensitivity to decent work, and above all defending and promotion of Labour rights,” he said.
The proposed amendments seek, among others, improve the sector, clarify the roles of tourism – sector players, streamline the composition of the Uganda Tourism Board, operationalize the Tourism Development Levy, harmonize multiple taxes and decentralize tourism planning.
NOTU in partnership with ILO and International Trade Centre under Trade for Jobs Project is implementing a project titled “Promoting Decent and Sustainable Jobs for workers with the Dairy and Tourism sectors in Uganda.Tourism in Uganda functions as both an economic sector and a service industry and the terms are often used interchangeably in national planning and business.
ENDS
