Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

Minimum Wage-Fixing Machinery Convention, 1928 (No. 26) - Uganda (Ratification: 1963)

Articles 1 to 4 of the Convention. Establishment and operation of minimum wage-fixing machinery. The Committee has been commenting for several years on the need to readjust the national minimum wage rate which remains unchanged since 1984 at the level of 6,000 Uganda shillings (UGX) (approximately US$2.50) per month. The Committee has been drawing the Government’s attention to the fact that, in order to be able to fulfil a meaningful role in social policy, the minimum wage should not be allowed to fall below a socially acceptable subsistence level, and that it should maintain its purchasing power in relation to a basic basket of essential consumer goods. Recalling that the Minimum Wages Board last met in 1995 and recommended a monthly minimum wage of UGX75,000, which, however, has never been implemented, the Committee has urged the Government on numerous occasions to take all appropriate measures to reactivate the minimum wage-fixing process based on tripartite consultations. In its last report, the Government limits itself to indicating that steps have been taken in this direction and that at present discussions focus on the composition of the Minimum Wages Board. The Committee understands, however, that the question of setting a new minimum wage has recently been the subject of strong trade union campaigns and vivid parliamentary debate but no concrete progress has been made regarding the revision of the minimum wage. Under the circumstances, the Committee once again urges the Government to take prompt action in order to ensure the reinstatement and proper functioning of the minimum wage-fixing machinery in accordance with the letter and the spirit of the Convention, and recalls that it may draw upon the technical assistance of the Office if it so wishes.

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2013.]