The Central Organisation of Free Trade Unions (COFTU) has officially launched the National Labour Education Week, a comprehensive initiative aimed at empowering workers across Uganda with knowledge about their rights, workplace safety, and labour laws.

Speaking at the launch event held at COFTU headquarters in Kampala, the General Secretary emphasised the critical importance of workers' education in building a strong and informed labour movement. "Knowledge is power, and when workers understand their rights and responsibilities, they become better equipped to advocate for fair treatment and decent working conditions," he stated.

Week-Long Activities

The National Labour Education Week will feature a series of activities across the country, including:

• Workshops on labour laws and workers' rights in all regional offices
• Public seminars on occupational safety and health
• Training sessions for union leaders on collective bargaining
• Community outreach programmes in informal sector workplaces
• Radio and television talk shows on labour issues
• Distribution of educational materials in local languages

Focus Areas

This year's Labour Education Week will place special emphasis on several key areas affecting Ugandan workers. These include understanding employment contracts, combating workplace discrimination, promoting gender equality in the workplace, and protecting children from exploitative labour practices. The programme will also address emerging issues such as workers' rights in the digital economy and the changing nature of work in post-pandemic Uganda.

Expected Impact

COFTU anticipates reaching over 50,000 workers directly through various activities during the week, with many more benefiting from media coverage and distributed materials. The initiative is expected to strengthen workers' capacity to identify and address workplace violations, improve labour-management relations, and contribute to a more informed and empowered workforce across all sectors.

Partnership and Support

The National Labour Education Week has received support from various development partners and international labour organisations. COFTU's affiliate unions across the country have committed to actively participating in the activities and ensuring maximum worker engagement in their respective sectors and regions.

The Chairperson of COFTU's Board expressed gratitude to all partners and stakeholders who have made the initiative possible. "This is a collaborative effort that demonstrates our collective commitment to advancing workers' rights and welfare in Uganda. We call upon all workers, employers, and government agencies to actively participate in this important week," she remarked.

How to Participate

Workers and unions interested in participating in the National Labour Education Week activities can contact COFTU regional offices or visit the COFTU website for a detailed schedule of events. Educational materials will be available free of charge at all COFTU offices and through affiliate unions.

COFTU encourages all workers, regardless of sector or employment status, to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about their rights and how to exercise them effectively. The organisation remains committed to its mandate of promoting and protecting workers' rights through education, advocacy, and solidarity.