A recent campaign by UNI Global Union’s commerce affiliate in Uganda has increased union density and secured two new collective bargaining agreements. The effort also achieved greater participation of women and young workers in leadership roles.
From June 2 to June 10, 2025, HTS-Union visited several workplaces across Uganda, including Carrefour supermarket branches, Britania Allied Industries, Cynibel supermarket, Churchill Courts Hotel, and Boma Hotel in Gulu. The campaign mobilized hundreds of workers across various sectors such as supermarkets, tourism, food, and hotels.
This organizing drive was part of a project supported by UNI Africa in collaboration with the Swedish solidarity organization Union to Union. The project aims to strengthen collective bargaining power through organizing efforts and achieve gender equality while including young workers in unions in Uganda and Nigeria.
During the campaign, HTS-Union launched its new Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) handbook. Endorsed by Uganda’s Minister of State for Labour, the guide equips workers to prevent and report workplace accidents. It was distributed to all members and adopted by the union’s Annual Delegates Conference.
The initiative met its objectives by enhancing union strength on the ground and contributing to financial sustainability through increased dues from new members.
HTS-Union General Secretary Moses R. Mauku stated: “This campaign helped us make good progress – educating workers on occupational safety and health, encouraging more women and young people to step into leadership, and introducing hundreds of workers to the union. The interest from workers was very encouraging, and the 80 new members we recruited show that our message is resonating.”
UNI Africa Regional Secretary Keith Jacobs praised the initiative: “HTS-Union’s campaign is a textbook example of grassroots organizing done right – building power where workers are, unlocking real gains through collective bargaining, and ensuring that women and youth are included and leading. This is how we consolidate working class power across Africa.”
