Cabinet approves proposed workers compensation amendment
Cabinet has approved the proposed principles for amendment of the Workers’ Compensation ACT CAP 225 which is intended to improve industrial peace and harmony through streamlining matters relating to assessment, compensation and enforcement of awards to workers.
According to Kabbyanga Godfrey Baluku, the State Minster for ICT and National Guidance, the Act will also cater for injuries suffered and diseases uncured by workers, during the course of their employment.
While addressing journalists at Uganda Media Centre, Baluku said that occupational injuries and diseases in the world of work have become a critical concern for the realization of decent work in the country.
“This Act provides for procedures for the management of injuries and compensation for any permanent in-capacities. The proposal to amend the Workers Compensation ACT CAP 225, arose from the increasing case backlog and suits related to non-compensation, unrealistic, and redundant provisions that are no longer applicable,” he explained.
Kabyanga further notes, the ultimate result of the amendment will be a reduction of disputes treated to compensation for injuries in the course of employment, and improved management of the courses related to treatment and compensation, of workers during the course of employment.
According to the National Labor Force Survey (NWFS) 2021 released by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), it is reported that 898,000 workers suffered injuries in 12 months and 357,000 faced injuries that caused their absence from work.
