Mukono – The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, in partnership with ENABEL and with funding from the European Union, has convened a District Stakeholder Dialogue on advancing respect for human rights in business at Mukono District Headquarters.
The dialogue brought together members of the District Executive Committee, heads of departments, religious leaders, the Office of the RDC, the Mukono Development Forum, and other stakeholders to deliberate on how businesses can operate while safeguarding human rights and the environment.
Ms. Lucy Peace Nantume, a Business and Human Rights expert from ENABEL, noted that the initiative is part of a wider project funded by the Belgium Development Agency. She explained that the program is focused on promoting human rights in the economic sector by equipping government institutions with tools to monitor businesses and address workers’ grievances and environmental concerns.
Ms. Nantume called on government and organizations to take responsibility in protecting workers rather than violating their rights, stressing that many companies still operate without scrutiny, often exposing employees to unsafe working conditions without protective gear.
Representing the Chief Administrative Officer, the Deputy CAO, Mr. Muhumuza Stephen, applauded ENABEL for its partnership with Mukono District. He highlighted the provision of motorcycles, laptops, printers, and training that have strengthened fieldwork, enhanced awareness on workers’ rights, and improved environmental monitoring.
On behalf of the Ministry, Ms. Lydia Nabiryo, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Equity and Rights, shared that collaboration with ENABEL has helped expose serious issues such as child labour and widespread violations of human rights by some organizations. She affirmed that government remains committed to ensuring companies adhere to legal frameworks that protect workers and the environment.
Closing the dialogue, Assistant Deputy RDC, Mr. Mwanje Hassani, representing Hajjati Ndisaba Fatuma Nabitaka, thanked stakeholders for their active participation and assured them that the Office of the President will prioritize implementation of the resolutions.
The Mukono dialogue reaffirmed the importance of aligning business operations with human rights principles. With government commitment, support from development partners like ENABEL and the EU, and active involvement of local stakeholders, the initiative is paving the way for safer workplaces, empowered communities, and sustainable economic growth.
