Rebecca Norah Namusabi
Deputy General Secretary
Uganda Textiles,Garments,Leather and allied workers’ union, (UTGLAWU)
Vice Chairperson – IndustriALL National Coordinating Council – Uganda, (INCCU)

Understanding international lawlessness and anti-humanity:

Key points:

• Growing disregard for international law and human rights
• Weak enforcement of labour protections
• Increasing exploitation of vulnerable workers

Declining respect for human dignity Impact on Uganda’s manufacturing workers:

Key points:

• Low wages and salary
• Un safe working conditions
• Poor OSH conditions
• Gender based violence and sexual harassments
• Ignorance on labour rights by the workers
• Exploitation in global supply chain.
• Refusal to recognize trade unions by the stubborn employers.

Manufacturing workers  face daily challenges linked to precarious work in most of the workplaces.

WHAT IS PROJECT ARTICLE 26?

• Based on Article 26 of the universal declaration of human rights
• Promotes education as a fundamental human right.
• Education empowers workers and protects dignity Supports justice, equality and social progress.

Education empowers workers to understand and defend their rights.

Importance to workers in Uganda’s manufacturing sector

Key points:

• Promotes workers’ awareness of labour rights
• Strengthens worker confidence and empowerment
• Supports trade union education and organizing
• Reduces vulnerability to exploitation.

An informed worker is an empowered worker.

Role of Trade Unions and

leadership

Key points:

• Educate / train workers on their rights at work
• Advocate for fair wages and salary.
• Advocate for good work conditions
• Protect workers from exploitation and abuse • Train workers on the need to join union.

An informed worker is an empowered worker.

Project Article 26 strengthens trade unions

Conclusion and Recommendations

Key points:

• Training programs to enhance awareness so as to empower workers.
• Empower union leadership on negotiation skills.
• Train workers on the emerging climate change and just transition ensuring that no worker is left behind in the global struggle of technological transition.
• Local and cross- boarder Collaboration with other trade unions is essential
• Project Article 26 is a powerful tool for empowering workers, defending workers’ dignity and building a just and humane society especially in times of lawlessness.
• It gives us hope and direction as we continue our struggle for dignity, justice and decent work for all.