Lira, Uganda | Erute South MP-elect and Senior Presidential Advisor on Lango Affairs, Sam Engola, has called for greater unity and dedication to work among Ugandans as the country joined the rest of the world to commemorate International Labour Day 2026.
Engola, speaking on Friday, May 1, 2026, appealed to civil servants, boda-boda riders, farmers, traders and professionals across all sectors to embrace hard work and collective responsibility in driving household and national development.
He said sustainable progress could only be achieved if citizens work together, emphasising that every profession plays a critical role in strengthening Uganda’s economy.
The commemoration coincided with International Labour Day 2026, a global public holiday observed in honour of workers’ contribution to economic growth and social development. The day is traditionally marked by reflections on labour rights, fair wages, and decent working conditions, alongside public celebrations in many countries.
This year’s global theme, “Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment,” focused on mental health in the workplace, with emphasis on reducing stress, preventing burnout, and improving overall employee wellbeing in both formal and informal sectors.
In Uganda, the national celebrations is set to take place at Nkoyoyo Boarding Primary School in Matale, Buikwe District, bringing together workers, government officials, and stakeholders under the theme “Safeguarding Uganda’s Progress: Empowering the Workforce and Promoting Decent Work for Competitive Enterprises.”
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development said the national theme aligns with government efforts to formalise businesses, expand decent work opportunities, and equip Uganda’s young population with employable skills. With more than 73% of the population below 30 years, officials underscored the urgency of job creation and skills development.
The celebrations are expected to be presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who has consistently emphasised labour productivity as a pillar of Uganda’s development agenda.
Across the region, South Sudan marks the day for the first time as an official public holiday, with national celebrations to be held at Juba National Stadium, signalling a broader regional recognition of workers’ contributions.
International Labour Day, observed annually on May 1, remains a key global moment to reflect on the evolution of labour rights, from the historic struggles for the eight-hour working day to contemporary debates on workplace wellbeing, automation, and inclusive economic growth.