Uganda has made notable progress in promoting Business and Human Rights (BHR), including developing a National Action Plan to promote responsible business conduct that respects human rights. However, local authorities in key regions such as Busoga, Albertine, and Kampala Metropolitan face operational challenges such as limited transport, poor documentation, weak Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) systems, and delayed reporting, which hinder effective monitoring and response to business-related human rights issues.

To address these gaps, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, and Enabel, through the Advancing Respect for Human Rights by Businesses in Uganda (ARBHR) Project, have provided essential equipment to local government Business and Human Rights focal points. The equipment will enhance their effort to conduct field inspections, engage with communities, document violations, improve data collection, and support evidence-based decision-making.

The equipment-17 laptops, 1 desktop, 8 heavy-duty printers, and 4 motorcycles- was handed over to officials from 12 districts within the project implementing regions of Busoga, Albertine, and Kampala Metropolitan. The handover took place at the Enabel Head office in Kampala and was led by Mr. Benard Mujuni, the Commissioner for Equity and Rights (Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development).

Speaking at the event, Mr. Mujuni said that limited transportation and data tools have hindered the work of district staff. “Many of our officers on the ground face difficulties in accessing remote communities and properly recording case data. This equipment will go a long way in addressing those challenges,” he said.

District officials, led by their Chief Administrative Officers (CAO), received the items and were trained on how to use them safely and effectively.

Rose Athieno, Country Strategy Advisor at Enabel, noted that the initiative marks a milestone in implementing Uganda’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR) at the district level.  “These tools will facilitate the local government officials to access hard-to-reach areas, and to monitor human rights issues in workplaces,” she added.

The handover is part of the European Union funded initiative to reduce human rights abuses linked to business, particularly those affecting women and children. It supports Uganda’s 2021 National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR), and aligns with Vision 2040 and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This strategic investment in mobility and technology reinforces efforts towards Business and Human Rights enforcement at the grassroots level. Strengthening local governments with the tools reaffirms the commitment to inclusive, rights-based development. With empowered local actors at the forefront, the path toward ethical and responsible business conduct across Uganda looks more promising than ever.

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