Women’s Day: Challenging the Abuse of Women’s Rights in Uganda’s Investment Schemes

KAMPALA—SHIFTMEDIA—On March 8, the world commemorates the progress made in advancing human rights and dignity for women while also reflecting on the persistent challenges they face in achieving full equality.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Choose to Challenge,” calls for collective action against injustice. In Uganda, one critical area demanding urgent attention is the rampant abuse of women’s rights within commercial investment schemes, including factories, plantations, and flower farms.

The systemic exploitation of women in these sectors undermines their economic well-being. A glaring example was the 2016 poisoning of over 80 female workers at Royal Van Zanten flower farm due to pesticide exposure. Investigations revealed that inadequate protective gear was a major contributing factor.

Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Across Uganda’s plantations and factories, women frequently handle hazardous materials—such as corrosive fertilizers—without proper protection, leading to skin diseases and other health complications.

Beyond unsafe working conditions, female laborers endure other hardships, including excessive physical demands, lack of meals, poor housing, and even forced cohabitation. This Women’s Day, Uganda must choose to challenge these injustices.

Another pressing issue is the unlawful termination of pregnant workers. Despite legal provisions for maternity leave under the Employment Act, many women are dismissed upon revealing their pregnancies. The government must ensure these laws are enforced, not just written.

Article 33 of Uganda’s Constitution mandates the state to provide facilities and opportunities for women to realize their full potential, recognizing their unique maternal roles. Yet, many rights-violating investment schemes operate under Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), implicating the government in these abuses. Under Article 20, the state has a duty to uphold human rights—even in trade and investment.

This International Women’s Day, let us also choose to challenge the absence of human rights impact assessments in investment laws. Let us demand government accountability in protecting female workers. Let us prioritize lives over profits.

Obbo Geoffrey D. is the Program Manager for Social Justice and Strategic Litigation at the Center for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT).

By Obbo Geoffrey D.