The National Organization of Trade Unions (NOTU) has convened a national dialogue on digital platform work at Hotel Africana in Kampala, bringing together government officials, labor unions, employers, and development partners to address the growing challenges facing online workers in Uganda’s fast-expanding digital economy.

Concerns over the welfare and protection of online workers took centre stage as the National Organization of Trade Unions, NOTU, hosted a national dialogue on platform work at Hotel Africana in Kampala.

The meeting attracted key stakeholders from government, labor unions, employers’ organizations, and development partners to discuss emerging challenges within Uganda’s growing digital labor sector.

Speaking during the dialogue, NOTU General Secretary Richard Bigirwa said the rapid growth of platform-based work has created employment opportunities for many Ugandans, especially the youth, but has also exposed workers to exploitation and weak labour protections.

Bigirwa noted that the discussions focused on developing practical recommendations aimed at improving the rights, welfare, and working conditions of platform workers in line with international labor standards.

He revealed that stakeholders also discussed a national proposal expected to be presented during the upcoming International Labour Conference in Geneva.

According to Bigirwa, platform workers continue to face major challenges, including unclear employer responsibility, weak dispute resolution mechanisms, irregular working hours, and lack of social protection.

He added that the International Labour Organization has already developed guiding concepts expected to shape future global agreements on the protection of workers operating on digital platforms such as ride-hailing and online service applications.

Meanwhile, Angella Mulekatete from Colar Academy Platform emphasized the importance of platform work in creating employment opportunities, especially for young people navigating Uganda’s competitive labor market.

However, she stressed the need for stronger support systems, fair regulations, and worker protections to ensure the sustainability of the sector.

The dialogue attracted officials from the Federation of Uganda Employers, the International Labour Organization, and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, among other stakeholders.

Participants expressed hope that the discussions would guide future labor policies and strengthen protection for Uganda’s growing number of digital platform workers.