Enhancing workplace safety with new health and safety law

At a glance

• The Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2025, aims to strengthen workplace safety across all sectors in Uganda.
• The new law empowers inspectors to initiate prosecutions with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecution and broadens the functions of the Occupational Safety and Health board.
• Employers are now required to implement health monitoring systems for workers and maintain safe, healthy working conditions.
• The amendments mandate proper training and certification for operators of machinery, plants, and equipment, as well as measures to ensure electrical safety within workplaces.
• These reforms align Uganda's workplace safety standards with international best practices, aiming to reduce occupational injuries and improve workers' overall well-being.

On 10 April 2025, the President of Uganda H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni assented to the occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2025, updating the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Cap 231 to strengthen workplace safety across all sectors. This expanded legislation underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring safer working environments and raising labour standards to align with international best practices.

The key enhancements include empowering inspectors to initiate prosecutions (with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecution), broadening the functions of the governing Occupational Safety and Health board, and introducing mandatory registration and licensing for safety and health practitioners.

Employers are now legally required to implement health monitoring systems for workers and maintain safe, healthy working conditions. The amendments also mandate that operators of machinery, plants, and equipment undergo proper training and certification. Additionally, occupiers must take necessary measures to guarantee electrical safety within workplaces. These reforms bring Uganda’s workplace safety standards closer to international best practices, with the goal of reducing occupational injuries and improving the overall well-being of workers.