Kampala, Uganda | Tuesday, 19th August 2025 – The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has issued an urgent call to all willing non-unionised workers across Uganda to register today and tomorrow for crucial elections to select their representatives to Parliament and District Councils.
Registration:
Non-unionised workers must report to their local Subcounty, City/Municipality Division, or Town Council headquarters on Tuesday, 19th August and Wednesday, 20th August 2025.
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon) on both days.
The Electoral Commission will take over at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 20th August to immediately organize and manage the elections at these venues.
The Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Hon. Anyakun Esther Davinia (MP), announced the move, citing legal mandates:
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Parliament: Section 15 of the Parliamentary Elections Act requires the election of five Workers’ Representatives to Parliament. Part of the electoral college includes 10 delegates from non-unionised workers in each of Uganda’s four regions (Central, Eastern, Northern, Western), with at least three women per region.
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District Councils: Section 10(g) of the Local Governments Act and the 2016 Labour Unions Regulations require two Workers’ Representatives (including one woman) per District Council. The electoral college includes 10 delegates from non-unionised workers within the district, with at least three women.
Who Is Eligible to Register as a Willing Non-Unionised Worker?
Workers must meet all these criteria:
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Ugandan citizen aged 18 years or above
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Possess a National Identity Card
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Be a registered voter (with proof)
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Be currently employed (verifiable by employment contract)
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Have verifiable payment records/slips for at least the past three months
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Hold a valid employment identity card
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Crucially: NOT be a member of any registered labour union
Requirements for Union Members & Nominations:
The statement also detailed strict eligibility criteria for registered labour unions to nominate delegates and for individuals to be nominated:
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Unions must have been registered for at least six months, submitted proof of AGMs for the past three years, and filed annual returns for the past three years.
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Individuals nominated by unions must be Ugandan citizens (18+), have a National Identification Number (NIN), be registered voters, be registered union members with verifiable employment (contract and five months’ payslips), and have five months of subscription/check-off evidence.
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Union officials must have proof of registration.
Hon. Anyakun stated that the Ministry, in consultation with the Electoral Commission, has:
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Developed comprehensive election guidelines
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Published detailed information in print and digital media covering the legal framework, procedures, and eligibility
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Conducted sub-regional training today for Labour Officers, Community Development Officers, and designated registration officers
“The expectation of Government is that all stakeholders will adhere to these provisions,” Minister Anyakun stated, “ensuring that the election of Workers’ Representatives reflects the aspirations of the labour force and contributes meaningfully to Uganda’s development agenda.”
She urged all eligible non-unionised workers, trade unions, employers, and local authorities to participate actively and support the process within the stipulated tight timelines.
