By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Hon. Esther Davinia Anyakun, has urged non-unionised workers across Uganda to seize the opportunity to register for upcoming elections, saying their participation is vital for strengthening democratic representation in both Parliament and District Councils.
Addressing the press yesterday, Anyakun emphasized that the elections are a legal requirement under the Parliamentary Elections Act and the Local Governments Act, ensuring that workers’ voices are formally included in national decision-making.
“Government’s expectation is that all stakeholders will adhere to these provisions, ensuring that the election of Workers’ Representatives reflects the aspirations of the labour-force and contributes meaningfully to Uganda’s development agenda,” she said.
Registration will run today, Tuesday August 19, and tomorrow, Wednesday August 20, 2025, from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon at Subcounty, City/Municipality Division, and Town Council headquarters. The Electoral Commission will take over at 2:00 pm on Wednesday to conduct the elections.
Anyakun explained that five Workers’ Representatives must be elected to Parliament, with non-unionised workers contributing delegates from all four regions, while each District Council must also include two Workers’ Representatives. Strict eligibility criteria have been set to ensure transparency, including proof of employment, voter registration, and exclusion of union members.
She noted that the Ministry has already developed comprehensive guidelines, conducted sub-regional training, and published detailed information to guide the process.
“I call upon all eligible non-unionised workers, trade unions, employers, and local authorities to participate actively and support the process within the stipulated timelines,” Anyakun stressed.
Eligibility
According to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, all willing non-unionised workers eligible to participate in the upcoming elections must be Ugandan citizens aged 18 years or above, hold a valid National Identity Card, and be registered voters with proof. They must also be in active employment verified through an employment contract and at least three months’ payslips, possess a valid employment identity card, and crucially, not belong to any registered labour union.
