The four-day training of Labour Officers from the Eastern Region concluded on Thursday with a call for participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to improve the resolution of labour disputes and promote workplace harmony.
The training was organised by the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) and the Industrial Court, with support from the International Development Law Organization (IDLO). It brought together Labour Officers from the Eastern Region for capacity building in labour administration and dispute resolution.
The training was closed by the Head of Industrial Court, Lady Justice Linda Lillian Tumusiime Mugisha who commended the participants for their commitment and active participation throughout the four days. She noted that the training was intended to retool and re-energise Labour Officers in light of ongoing legal reforms and changes in the world of work.
The training covered an overview of labour laws, the powers and jurisdiction of Labour Officers, the 2026 Employment Amendment Act, labour relations, case management and hearing procedures, artificial intelligence and case management, use of the Uganda Legal Information Institute (ULII) as a research tool, award writing, mediation and negotiation skills. Participants also undertook simulation exercises to practically apply the skills acquired.
Justice Tumusiime emphasised that Labour Officers are key actors in the administration of labour justice, describing them as the gatekeepers and engine that propels labour justice forward. She expressed confidence that the training had strengthened their ability to discharge their responsibilities and contribute to increased disposal of labour disputes at the Labour Office level.
She urged the Labour Officers to make greater use of mediation and conciliation, collaborate with other institutions within their districts and promote compliance by employers. She noted that effective labour dispute resolution would contribute to workplace harmony, increased productivity and broader economic growth.
Justice Tumusiime also acknowledged the challenges raised by participants and noted that discussions were already underway within the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and the Ministry of Local Government on improving the status and facilitation of Labour Offices and Labour Officers. She encouraged the participants to continue sharing experiences, seeking advice and escalating challenges to the Ministry and Industrial Court where necessary.
She called upon the Labour Officers to return to their respective workstations with renewed confidence and commitment to improving labour justice in the Eastern Region, describing them as guardians of industrial peace, catalysts of economic productivity and protectors of human dignity in the workplace.
The training ended with the awarding of certificates of completion to the participating Labour Officers, recognising their successful participation in the four-day capacity-building programme.
Posted 20th, August 2026
