Uganda is set to launch a digital work safety monitoring platform aimed at revolutionalising workplace safety oversight in the country.
Addressing journalists on Friday, Gender Minister, Betty Amongi said the platform will be launched on Monday, April, 28 as Uganda joins the rest of the world to commemorate the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
This year’s national celebrations, to be held at the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) in Namanve.
Themed “Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at Work,” this year’s event reflects the growing role of technology in creating safer and more efficient work environments.
Speaking ahead of the commemorations, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Amongi Betty Ongom, said the new OSHMIS platform will enable real-time tracking of workplace hazards, streamline the licensing process for workplaces, and improve monitoring of compliance with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards across the country.
“This annual commemoration serves as a vital reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure that every worker is safe, healthy, and their well-being protected at the workplace,” Amongi said.
“Employers must establish safe work procedures, maintain a clean and organized environment, and provide adequate training on occupational safety and health (OSH).”
Amongi emphasized the need for proactive risk assessment by employers and the inclusion of workers in identifying and mitigating hazards.
She noted that proper handling of hazardous materials, availability of protective gear, and well-defined emergency plans are crucial in reducing workplace accidents.
“We are seeing an alarming rise in workplace incidents from factory injuries to building collapses. Many of these are preventable if employers adhere to basic OSH standards,” she noted.
With the introduction of OSHMIS, the Ministry aims to boost enforcement and transparency by digitizing safety reporting and workplace registration processes.
Minister Amongi described this innovation as a key driver of improved occupational health and safety across sectors.
She further explained how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enhance workplace safety. “AI-driven systems can analyze real-time data to predict hazards before they escalate into tragedies,” she said.
However, she cautioned against an over-reliance on technology, urging employers to implement strong cybersecurity safeguards to protect sensitive worker information and ensure operational safety.
Minister Amongi also drew attention to the growing mental health risks linked to digital work environments.
“We must address ‘techno-stress’, information overload, and the blurring of work-life boundaries caused by constant digital connectivity. Employers should promote mental well-being and consider ‘digital detox’ periods,” she advised.
In line with the digital safety reforms, the Minister revealed that the amended Occupational Safety and Health Act has been assented to by President Museveni.
“These new provisions will empower our teams to assess all workplace categories and take action against non-compliant employers,” she said.
Despite progress, Minister Amongi acknowledged persistent challenges such as employer reluctance to compensate injured workers, inadequate health insurance coverage, and lax enforcement of safety measures.
“We have approved guidelines for inspections and whistleblowing. We are intensifying inspections, especially at the local government level, to ensure swift action against safety violations,” she added.
As the country prepares to observe the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the Ministry is calling on employers, workers, and stakeholders to embrace digital innovations like OSHMIS while ensuring that technology serves not replaces the human-centered approach to workplace safety.
“Let us harness the power of digitalization responsibly. Innovation should go hand-in-hand with the well-being of our workers,” Amongi said.
