Workforce Africa, Uganda
With a commitment to excellence and a passion for empowering businesses through strategic HR solutions, we are your trusted partner in unlocking the full potential of your workforce.
Interesting Economic Facts About Uganda
Uganda, officially the Republic of Uganda, is a vibrant East African country with a population of approximately 50.3 million people as of 2024. Its capital city, Kampala, is the largest urban center, housing around 8.5 million residents and serving as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the nation.
The official language is English, widely used in government and education, while Luganda and Swahili are also commonly spoken.
Uganda's economy is diverse, primarily driven by agriculture, which employs a significant portion of the population and includes major exports like coffee, tea, cotton, tobacco, and sugar. The industrial sector is growing in Kampala, with food processing and manufacturing activities taking root.
Additionally, tourism plays a vital role in the economy due to the country's rich biodiversity and attractions such as mountain gorillas in national parks. The service sector is expanding rapidly in Kampala, encompassing education, healthcare, and financial services, contributing to Uganda's overall economic growth and development.
Employment Laws
Employement Contracts in Uganda
In Uganda, under section 25 of the Employment Act, parties may enter into a contract of service under the oral method unless the Employment Act or other written Law requires that the contract be written. The oral contract is as legally binding as the written contract.
If the contract is written, but the language used in the contract is not understood or readily read by the employee, the contract should be witnessed by the Labor Office. Further, within twelve (12) weeks from the date of employment, an employer shall furnish an employee with written particulars of the employment.
Working Hours
The legislated maximum working hours per week is 48, but parties may agree to exceed this limit up to 56 hours per week, provided daily hours do not surpass 10; for employees working in shifts, they may work beyond 10 hours in a day or 48 hours in a week as long as the average over a 3-week period does not exceed 10 hours per day or 56 hours per week.
In the absence of a written agreement to the contrary, work performed in addition to the normal working hours is remunerated at a minimum of 1.5 times the normal hourly rate on ordinary working days and twice the normal hourly rate on gazetted public holidays, though the parties may agree to more favourable terms for overtime. An employee is entitled to a day's rest for each cycle of six consecutive days worked, with the day of rest to be taken on a customary day or as agreed between the parties.
Leave Policies in Uganda
Annual Leave:An employee who has performed six months of continuous service or works on a contract of service for sixteen hours a week or more is entitled to seven days of annual leave for each four-month period of continuous service.
Sick Leave: An employee who has worked for at least one month and typically works a minimum of sixteen hours per week is entitled to receive full wages and all benefits outlined in their employment contract for the first month they are unable to work. However, if the employee is still unable to work due to illness after the second month, the employer may terminate the employment contract in accordance with the provisions of the agreement in place at the time of termination.
Maternity Leave: A female employee is entitled to sixty working days of maternity leave with full pay, with at least four weeks of this leave to be taken following the birth or miscarriage.
Paternal Leave: A male employee is entitled to four working days of paternity leave immediately following the delivery or miscarriage.
Public Holidays
Payroll Taxes and Statutory Deduction in Uganda
Termination and Probation in Uganda
Contact Us
Got Queries?
Workforce Africa is here to help. Visit our office or contact us by sending a message
Office Address
2nd Floor, Shiriki House, 16 Mackinnon Road, Kampala.
Email us on
Call/Whatsapp us on
+254 704 464 600