Members of Parliament have observed that there is still no “free” movement of labour across the East African partner states despite the agreement under the Customs Union.
Free movement of labour, if embraced, can lead to more jobs the youth
The workers MPs called for the fast tracking of free movement of labour in order to spur the flow of services.
“We need to harmonise our laws so that we are at par in the region. But much as we are advocating for harmonisation of labour laws in the region, the Uganda Parliament is passing and amending laws that are contrary to the EAC position,” said Hon. Mariam Tunde.
She told a national meeting on the program of free movement of workers that there is still no free movement of labour in the region.
‘Free movement of labour means making it easy for all people to access employment in any of the EAC member states,” she said. Rwakatamba Arinaitwe noted that it is only when member states allow the labour force to move with ease, that the region increase in investment and lead to natural progression to the Common Market.
Martin Wandera a job creation researcher based at the Center for Labour Research and Studies noted that the challenges of low labour productivity in Uganda would put Ugandans at a disadvantage.
“Labour productivity is important for economic growth and competition. We are in the EAC but all of us are running different economies,” he told the stakeholder meeting organised by the Southern and Eastern African Trade Information and Negotiation Institute (SEATINI).
He pointed out that nations cannot talk of poverty eradication without creating jobs for their nationals. He highlighted factors such as accumulation of capital, organisational capabilities, physical infrastructure and technology as key factors that ensure labour productivity.
Dr. Sam Lyomoki, the workers MP said Uganda should take advantage of the Customs Union despite the existing gaps. “People first need to understand how they can benefit from the Customs Union and the free movement of labour,” said Lyomoki.
He wondered why Ugandans are not concerned about labour issues. “We need to catch up with other EAC states,” he said.
Lyomoki called for the setting up of labour institutions which will ensure that Ugandans are hand workers who adhere to work ethics.
By Patrick Jaramogi, The New Vision
