NOTU Background

National Organizations of Trade Unions is a non-profit labour-based organization. It is an umbrella body of trade unions (a federation) that represents workers across all economic sectors in Uganda.  It was established by Decree No. 29 of 1973, which was later repealed and replaced by the Labour Unions Act, Cap 228.  It is the most representative National Labour Union Centre in Uganda with over Two Million Five Hundred (2.5 million) organized workers from Thirty-eight (38) affiliated trade unions across all sectors of the Ugandan economy. It works under tripartite and bipartite mechanisms as provided for through the legal and policy frameworks, namely, the 1995 Constitution of Uganda as amended, the Labour Unions Act, Cap 228, the Employment (Amendment) Act, Cap 226, and the National Tripartite Charter on Labour Relations, 2013, among others. Therefore; -

1. NOTU plays a fundamental role in coordinating and rallying its affiliates for the social and economic development of workers.
2. In collaboration with its affiliates, NOTU ensures the promotion and defence of the rights and interests of workers by influencing the deliberate regulations of conditions of employment for the betterment of members’ welfare and workers in general.
3. Act as a tool for workers to escape exploitation and violation of their basic human dignity and improve their job security, as well as safeguard the provision of benefits and services to their members through Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), grievance handling, among others.
4. NOTU and its affiliates are key in ensuring the promotion of International Labour Standards (ILS) and the Decent Work Agenda in the country through social dialogue, negotiations and effective participation in the formulation and implementation of national, regional and international labour-related laws, policies and standards.
5.  In addition, it promotes the ILO’s Decent Work Country Program (DWCP) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) by ensuring respect and promotion of International Labour Standards (ILS) and conventions.