Africa-Press – Uganda. Uganda’s 4th National Labour Convention and Expo 2026 has concluded at the Kampala Serena Hotel, with leaders calling for urgent, practical action to tackle youth unemployment and transform the country’s labour market.
The multi-day convention brought together government officials, private sector players, development partners, and youth representatives. Discussions focused on job creation, skills development, labour migration, and productivity, aligned with Uganda’s broader development agenda, including Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan IV.
Closing the convention, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, emphasized the need for decisive action to address unemployment, particularly among young people.
“We must move with urgency to create jobs through key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and the digital economy, while equipping our young people with relevant skills and supporting entrepreneurship,” Tayebwa said.
“This must be inclusive. Women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups must be fully supported to participate in the labour market and benefit from these opportunities,” he added.
Tayebwa further urged stakeholders to shift from dialogue to implementation, calling for measurable outcomes that directly improve livelihoods. He also raised concerns about the welfare of Ugandan migrant workers, calling for stronger protections and fair wage negotiations abroad.
“We must ensure our workers abroad are treated with dignity, protected, and paid fairly for their labour,” he noted.
The State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Esther Anyakun, outlined ongoing government interventions aimed at enhancing productivity and expanding employment opportunities.
“We are operationalising the Minimum Wages Advisory Board and Wages Councils to ensure fair pay, while also rolling out the National Apprenticeship Programme to bridge the skills gap,” Anyakun said.
“Through initiatives such as the Jua-Kali Programme, the Green Jobs and Just Transition Programme, and the Decent Work Country Programme, we are supporting informal businesses to grow and creating sustainable employment pathways,” she added.
Beyond policy and programmes, speakers also highlighted the need for a shift in mindset among young people. Apostle Grace Lubega of Phaneroo Ministries International called for purpose-driven thinking as a foundation for innovation and national development.
“We need to raise a generation of young people who are purpose-driven, who love their nation, and are committed to building solutions,” Lubega said.
Meanwhile, Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) Executive Director Allen Kagina underscored the importance of discipline, integrity, and productivity in the workplace, urging young people to position themselves as reliable contributors to national development.
“Opportunities exist, but they require discipline, hard work, and a commitment to excellence. Young people must be ready to take responsibility and deliver results,” Kagina noted.
The convention also featured exhibitions, panel discussions, and networking sessions aimed at linking young people to employers, training institutions, and financing opportunities. As the curtains fall on this year’s event, stakeholders have been challenged to translate commitments into tangible actions that create jobs, improve working conditions, and unlock the full potential of Uganda’s labour force.
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