Workforce Guide in Uganda

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Capital City

Kampala

Currency

Ugandan shilling (UGX)

Language Spoken

Official language English

Payroll Frequency

Weekly, bimonthly, or semi-monthly

Employer Taxes

10%

VAT - Standard Rate

18%

Cost of Living Index

652200.00 UGX

GDP - Real Growth Rate

2.9% (2020)

Termination Process

Varies

Employee Protection

Moderate

Minimum Wage

In Uganda, the minimum wage stands at 6000 Ugandan shillings per month for all employees, a figure that has not been revised since January 1, 1884. The year 2015 saw the introduction of a fresh Minimum wage in parliament, sparking debate and discussion.

Payroll Cycle

Salaries are paid monthly, which is the most prevalent payroll plan in Uganda. However, some companies pay their staff weekly, bimonthly, or semi-monthly. 

Monthly payments are the most common practice for payroll in Uganda. However, some companies offer employees the option to receive their salaries weekly, bi-monthly, or semi-monthly. This flexibility caters to diverse preferences and can be beneficial for both employers and employees. 

Taxation

The resident individual tax rates are outlined in the following table. These rates apply to employment income and taxable business income.

Annual Taxable Income

Exceeding (UGX)

Annual Taxable Income

Not Exceeding (UGX)

Tax on Lower Amount (UGX)

Rate on Excess (%)

0

2,820,000

0

0

2,820,000

4,020,000

0

10

4,020,000

4,920,000

120,000

20

4,920,000

120,000,000

300,000

30

120,000,000

-

34,824,000

40

Non-residents are subjected to taxes on their taxable income in Uganda, including investment income, at the following rates: 

Annual Taxable Income

Exceeding (UGX)

Annual Taxable Income

Not Exceeding (UGX)

Tax on Lower Amount (UGX)

Rate on Excess (%)

0

4,020,000

0

10

4,020,000

4,920,000

402,000

20

4,920,000

120,000,000

582,000

30

120,000,000

-

35,106,000

40

Annual Leave

Each worker in Uganda is entitled to 21 days of annual leave per year, with full pay. The employee, subject to agreement with the employer, can choose the timing of this leave. It’s important to note that the 21 days only include work days, so if an employee doesn’t normally work on Saturdays and Sundays, those days should not be counted as their annual leave..

Sick Leave

An employee in Uganda who has completed at least one month of service is entitled to two months of sick leave, with the first month fully paid and the second month unpaid. However, it is crucial to note that employers may then have the right to terminate the employment contract after two months, based on the terms outlined in the existing contract.

Maternity Leave

In Uganda, female employees with a valid contact are eligible for up to 60 days of fully paid maternity leave. The law does not specify a minimum service requirement for this benefit. Additionally, employees experiencing miscarriage are entitled to at least 4 weeks of paid leave.

Paternity Leave

In Uganda, male employees are eligible for up to four days of fully paid paternity leave, but only when the birth involves their official spouse.

1 January

New Year's Day

26 January

NRM Liberation Day

16 February

Archbishop Janani Luwum Memorial Day

8 March

International Women's Day

29 March

Good Friday

1 April

Easter Monday

10 April

Eid al-Fitr

9 October

Independence Day

1 May

Labour Day

25 December

Christmas Day

10 May

Census Day

3 June

Martyr's Day

9 June

National Heroes Day

17 June

Eid al-Adha

Termination of employment contracts in Uganda requires written notification that adheres to the established timeframe outlined in the individual employment agreement.

Notice Period

The length of the notice period is determined by the following factors:
The length of the termination notice period depends on the employee’s length of service:
*6 months to 1 year: Two weeks’ notice required.
*1 year to 5 years: At least a month’s notice required.
*5 years to 10 years: Three months’ notice required.
*Over 10 years: Three months’ notice required.

Severance Pay

Upon termination, including wrongful dismissal, employees with at least six months of service are entitled to severance pay in Uganda. The law mandates negotiation between the employer and employee to determine the amount. If no agreement is reached, a labor officer may intervene and make a binding decision regarding the severance pay.