Kampala — Leaders from government, the private sector, and development partners have raised concerns over widespread workplace violence in Uganda, while pledging stronger action to improve safety, inclusion, and accountability across institutions.
The commitments were made during a high-level Private Sector Dialogue on safe, respectful, and survivor-centred workplaces held at the Sheraton Hotel Kampala. The dialogue, organised by the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), brought together stakeholders to strengthen institutional responses to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the world of work.
Opening the discussions, PSFU Vice Chairperson, Ms Sarah Kagingo, underscored the urgency of addressing workplace risks amid a rapidly changing global labour environment.
“The workspace is changing globally, and this change is driven by digitalisation, artificial intelligence, platform economies, and evolving work arrangements. While these shifts present immense opportunities for productivity and innovation, they also introduce new and complex risks related to workplace safety, dignity, and protection from violence and harassment,” Kagingo said.
She noted that PSFU has supported over 90 companies through the Gender Equality Seal programme implemented with the United Nations Development Programme, aimed at strengthening gender-responsive leadership and workplace policies.
Kagingo highlighted the scale of the challenge, citing global and national data. “Evidence from the International Labour Organisation indicates that more than one in five workers have experienced violence or harassment at work,” she said, adding that in Uganda, “verbal abuse accounts for 84% of reported workplace violence cases.”
She also pointed to structural inequalities in Uganda’s labour market. “Uganda’s workforce stands at 9.3 million people, with approximately 7.1 million working in the informal sector—largely dominated by women,” Kagingo noted, warning that informality increases vulnerability to workplace abuse.
From the corporate perspective, Ms Mona Muguma Ssebuliba, Chief Executive Officer of aBi Finance, stressed that workplace safety is central to sustainable business growth. “Sustainable business growth depends on how institutions address environmental, social, and governance challenges. Workplace safety, inclusion, and protection from violence must sit at the centre of that agenda,” Muguma said.
She called for collective responsibility in advancing gender equality. “Gender equality and safe workplaces are not ‘women’s issues’ alone. Men must be active partners in speaking up, shaping inclusive systems and driving change where women may not always have a seat at the table,” she added.
Muguma warned that gender-based violence carries significant economic consequences. “We are losing about UGX 3.76 trillion in productivity, accounting for about 2.76 percent of our GDP in this country due to the effects of gender-based violence,” she said.
She further emphasised the need for stronger institutional systems. “Violence is not limited to physical abuse, but also includes psychological harm, intimidation, and unsafe work environments that affect well-being and performance,” Muguma noted.
Representing development partners, Jacqueline Makhokha, UNAIDS Country Director for Uganda, said unsafe workplaces undermine both individual dignity and national development.
“Safe workplaces are not optional; they are central to staff well-being and national development. Unsafe workplaces reduce productivity, weaken institutional performance and erode trust in systems designed to protect workers,” she said.
She added that evolving work models continue to introduce new risks. “As the world of work evolves through digitalisation and new models, risks of violence persist. Global data shows that one in five workers are affected, with women disproportionately impacted,” Makhokha stressed.
Government, through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, reaffirmed its commitment to tackling workplace violence. Dr Angela Nakafeero, Commissioner for Gender and Women Affairs, painted a stark picture of the situation in Uganda.
“More than one in five workers globally experience violence or harassment in the world of work. In Uganda, the situation is even more concerning. According to a World Bank survey, 84% of Ugandans have experienced some form of workplace abuse,” Nakafeero said.
She added: “On average, 86% of Ugandans—across both the private and public sectors—have been exposed to work-related violence. These statistics represent real people and real lives.”
Nakafeero emphasised that workplace violence has far-reaching consequences. “Workplace violence undermines opportunities for career advancement and limits access to better incomes. It affects productivity and the overall well-being of workers,” she noted.
While acknowledging progress, she pointed to existing legal frameworks. “The Employment Act provides a strong legal framework for addressing gender-related violence in the world of work. Uganda also ratified the International Labour Organisation Convention 190, committing to eliminate workplace violence,” she said.
However, she stressed that implementation remains key, outlining three priority areas: “Every workplace must have clear, enforceable policies addressing sexual harassment and gender-based violence… We must strengthen reporting mechanisms… and ensure accountability and leadership at all levels,” Nakafeero stated.
She also highlighted the challenge of underreporting. “Many women remain silent about workplace violence. Without reporting, action cannot be taken,” she said, urging companies to establish confidential, survivor-centred systems.
The dialogue comes as Uganda intensifies labour inspections ahead of International Labour Day, with stakeholders agreeing that stronger collaboration between the Government of Uganda, the Private Sector Foundation Uganda and development partners (the UN – UNFPA and UN Women) will be critical.
