Minimum Wage Bill long overdue

It is amazing how since the currency reform of 1986, where the Shilling was greatly devalued, Uganda’s minimum wage has remained at Shs6, 000! This Shs6, 000 minimum wage was established in 1984. That was 29 years ago. This law has become obsolete and unrealistic in today’s situation.

That is why I was happy to learn of a Bill prompted by MP Arinaitwe Rwakajara called the Minimum Wages Bill 2013, which seeks to revise Uganda’s minimum wage. Because of the absence of a minimum wage, Ugandan workers are exploited.

A minimum wage could also help reduce the crime rate as people would be more content with their earnings and would not think of dubious means to ‘top up’ their salaries. With Uganda’s youth unemployment currently at standing 62 per cent, this matter needs to be urgently addressed.

Josepha Jabo,
josephajabo@yahoo.com