Gender Ministry to Launch Monitoring System for Business and Human Rights

Businesses are crucial to our economic growth, but they must also uphold human rights

The Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development is preparing to launch a new Management Information System on Business and Human Rights, designed to enhance the monitoring and reporting of human rights violations by businesses in Uganda.

Minister Betty Amongi announced this initiative at the 6th Annual Symposium on Business and Human Rights, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala.

Minister Amongi explained that the system will provide a structured platform for businesses and individuals to report human rights violations within the corporate sector, making reporting more efficient.

“Businesses are crucial to our economic growth, but they must also uphold human rights,” she stated. In addition to this system, the Ministry is introducing annual awards to acknowledge businesses that excel in promoting and protecting human rights in their operations.

The awards aim to encourage other companies to adopt stronger human rights practices.

The symposium gathered representatives from government agencies, civil society organisations, private sector leaders, and development partners to discuss ways to strengthen human rights within the business sector.

This year’s event focused on Pillar II of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which stresses businesses’ responsibility to respect human rights and prevent abuses in their operations.

Participants explored how companies could better align with Uganda’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, as well as other emerging regional and international frameworks.

Minister Amongi highlighted existing gaps in Uganda’s current approach to human rights in business. “While businesses are important partners in promoting respect for human rights in Uganda, there are still gaps hindering their ability to produce positive outcomes,” she noted.

She identified challenges such as limited capacity, insufficient tools, and a lack of innovation as barriers preventing businesses from fully adopting human rights standards.

The Ministry hopes the new monitoring system and awards program will encourage businesses to actively support Uganda’s human rights goals.

These tools are part of Uganda’s commitment to creating a business environment where human rights are prioritised. By motivating businesses to incorporate human rights into their operations, Uganda aims to develop a more responsible private sector aligned with international human rights standards, ultimately contributing to the nation’s progress.

The symposium concluded with a call for collaboration among all stakeholders to create a robust framework for business accountability, ensuring the protection of Ugandans’ rights as the private sector continues to expand.