Enabel and the Federation of Uganda
Employers (FUE) have joined forces to promote decent work in Uganda, with a
special focus on Agriculture, Tourism, and Hospitality sectors. Through the
Decent Work and Social Protection project, Enabel aims to recognize and
celebrate employers committed to creating supportive and respectful work
environments that prioritize the welfare and rights of their employees.
A significant outcome of this partnership
is the expansion of the prestigious Employer of the Year Awards (EYA) to
include new categories specifically tailored for the Albertine and Rwenzori
regions in the focal sectors. This strategic move demonstrates a shared
commitment to enhancing the quality of employment and social protection
measures in regions that are crucial for Uganda's economic development.
The EYA dinner, held on Friday, March 1st,
2024, at Speke Resort Munyonyo, served as a platform to acknowledge and honour
employers who have demonstrated exceptional resilience and innovation in
navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the theme of
'Employer Competitiveness in the Post COVID-19 Era,' the event recognized
organizations that have excelled in applying best business practices despite
the adverse effects of the pandemic.
In his welcoming address, Mr. Douglas Opio,
the CEO of FUE, extended heartfelt appreciation to Enabel for their unwavering
support in expanding the scope of the EYA and extending its reach to previously
underserved regions. He emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships to
drive meaningful change and create a conducive environment for decent work
across Uganda.
Mr Tom Vanneste, the Resident
Representative of Enabel Uganda, reaffirmed Enabel's dedication to promoting
decent work in Uganda. He shed light on the various initiatives and programs
offered by Enabel and the Government of Belgium to support employer competitiveness,
including skilling programs and Business and Human Rights initiatives.
Ms Mwenya Kapasa, representing both the International
Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Director for East Africa and the ILO Uganda
country office, stressed the importance of social protection and occupational
safety and health for ensuring a productive workforce. She emphasized the need
for collaborative efforts among partners to achieve sustainable development
goals in Uganda.
The guest of honor, Mr Luc Pirson, the
Deputy Head of Mission & Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Belgium to
Uganda, commended Enabel and FUE for their joint efforts in promoting decent
work through the EYA initiative. He highlighted the economic significance of
the agricultural, tourism, and hospitality sectors in the Albertine and
Rwenzori regions, stressing the need for decent working conditions to sustain
growth and development.
Mr Pirson announced the establishment of a
Fair-Trade Tourism certification framework in Uganda, aimed at promoting
sustainable tourism practices. He encouraged eligible tourism businesses to
register their interest in becoming pioneers of Fair Trade Tourism, thereby
showcasing their commitment to sustainability and accessing new market
opportunities.
The collaboration between Enabel and FUE
represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of decent work and social
protection in Uganda. Through initiatives like the Employer of the Year Awards,
they seek to not only recognize exemplary employers but also inspire others to
prioritize the well-being of their employees. By fostering a culture of decency
and social protection in the workplace, they aim to drive sustainable economic
development, social equity, and human dignity across the country.
The following were the category award
winners from the Rwenzori/Albertine Region:
Agricultural Sector
A. The Overall Winner in the Agricultural
Sector: Malemo Food Company
B. Runner Up representing Albertine region:
Nyakatonzi Growers Cooperative Union
C. Runner Up representing Rwenzori region: Alone
Alisons
Tourism and Hospitality Sector
A. The Overall Winner in Tourism and
Hospitality Sector: Miika Eco Resort Hotel Hoima City
B. Runner Up representing Albertine region:
New Court View Hotel Masindi
C. Runner Up representing Rwenzori region: Sandton
Hotel Kasese
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