The Republic of Uganda has taken part in the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland, where global leaders, workers, and employers reached a historic agreement on the future of work. The conference concluded with the adoption of the first-ever international labour standard on the platform economy, marking a major step in regulating digital work and improving protections for workers in the modern global economy.
The conference, organized by the International Labour Organization, brought together member states to deliberate on labour standards, social protection, gender equality, and the transformation of work in the digital age. Uganda was represented by a tripartite delegation led by Ambassador Robert Marcel Tibaleka, the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, alongside representatives from government, workers, and employers.
A key outcome of the conference was the adoption of the “Convention on Decent Work in the Platform Economy, 2026,” the first global framework designed specifically to regulate digital platform work. The convention introduces standards on employment status, fair working conditions, and transparency in algorithm-based management systems.
In Uganda, platform work continues to expand rapidly, especially among young people. Digital services such as Uber, Bolt, and SafeBoda dominate transport services, while delivery platforms like Glovo and freelance marketplaces such as Upwork and Fiverr are creating new income opportunities and reshaping the labour market.
Uganda also played an active role in technical discussions on gender equality, social dialogue, and international labour standards, ensuring that African perspectives were included in global decision-making processes.
The outcomes of the conference are expected to influence Uganda’s labour reforms, including ongoing efforts such as the Employment (Amendment) Act, 2026, and the planned National Apprenticeship Programme aimed at improving youth skills and employability.
Overall, Uganda’s participation highlighted its commitment to promoting decent work, strengthening labour governance, and supporting a fair transition into the digital economy.
