Namanve, Uganda — The third edition of the annual Occupational Safety and Health Awards ceremony was held Monday at the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) in Namanve Industrial Park, Mukono district, recognizing entities demonstrating strong commitments to employee safety and well-being.
The event, which commemorated the World Day for Safety and Health 2025 under the theme “Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalisation at Work,” served as a precursor to International Labour Day, scheduled for Thursday, May 1, in Nakapiripirit district.
Sight Akatukunda, a senior program officer for communication at the gender ministry, highlighted that the awards aim to honor workplaces that consistently implement measures to promote the safety, health, and overall well-being of their employees and the wider public. She noted a significant increase in participation, with 28 workplaces recognized this year, compared to 12 in 2023 and 13 in 2024.
The Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) received the award for the safest workplace among government ministries, departments, and agencies. Dr. Eng. Harrison Mutikanga, UEGCL’s chief executive officer, credited his team’s dedication to safety and health practices that align with international standards.
Other notable winners included Nile Breweries (Jinja plant), which secured the top overall position, followed by Uganda Breweries Limited and Vivo Energy. City Ambulance was recognized in the service sector, Wagagai Limited in agriculture, and Vivo Energy in the energy sector. Industry-specific awards were given to Nile Breweries (Jinja plant), Uganda Breweries (Kampala), Euroflex Limited, Roofings Limited, and Kenrom Chemicals Company.
Gender Minister Betty Amongi underscored the collective responsibility in ensuring workplace safety, emphasizing it as a “social contract requiring commitment of all stakeholders.” The annual awards serve as a platform to showcase best practices and encourage higher occupational safety and health standards across various sectors in Uganda.
