The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has called for renewed efforts to strengthen mental health and psychosocial wellbeing in Ugandan workplaces as the country prepares to mark the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026.
Speaking at the Media Centre on Wednesday, the Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Hon. Esther Anyakun Davinia, said Uganda will join the rest of the world on April 28, 2026, to commemorate the day under the theme “Building Psychosocial Resilience: Sustaining Uganda’s OSH Gains through Mental Wellbeing and Organizational Strengthening.”
The Minister noted that Uganda has made significant progress in improving occupational safety and health systems through stronger regulations, increased workplace inspections, and expanded awareness campaigns beyond the formal sector.
However, she cautioned that emerging workplace pressures such as high workloads, job insecurity, long working hours, harassment, and rapid technological changes are increasingly affecting workers’ mental wellbeing and productivity.
“These challenges contribute to stress, anxiety, depression, and reduced productivity if not properly managed,” she said, emphasizing that psychosocial resilience is now a critical component of workplace safety.
Minister Anyakun urged employers across all sectors to integrate mental health and psychosocial risk management into workplace policies, promote supportive work environments, provide counselling services, and ensure a healthy work-life balance for employees.
She also called on workers to prioritize their mental wellbeing, seek support when needed, and actively participate in workplace wellness programmes.
The Minister further encouraged continued collaboration among government, employers’ organizations, workers’ unions, and development partners in promoting awareness and implementing interventions addressing psychosocial risks at work.
She reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening enforcement of occupational safety and health standards while safeguarding both the physical and mental wellbeing of workers nationwide.
To mark this year’s commemoration, a series of activities have been lined up, including a national OSH symposium at Nakawa Innovation Hub, a sanitation drive at Njeru Nile Market, an OSH awareness run, and the main national event scheduled for April 28 at St. Noah Mawagali Secondary School in Mbiko.
