How to Register a Labour Union in Uganda

Introduction

Forming a labour union in Uganda is an empowering way for employees to collectively advocate for fair treatment, improved working conditions, and the protection of their rights in Uganda.

The right to form and join labour unions is constitutionaly guaranteed under Articles 29 and 40(3) of the Constitution of Uganda and other enabling legislation such as the Labour Unions Act, Cap. 228.  

Just like the process of registering a company in Uganda, registering a labour union also requires compliance with specific statutory procedures and documentation

However, the registration process can be confusing especially for groups navigating it for the first time. 

This article explains how to register a labour union in Uganda, detailing the legal requirements, procedures, timelines, fees and appeal options in case of rejection of the application.

Summary on How to Register a Labour Union in Uganda

To register a labour union in Uganda, you must first reserve a name with the Registrar of Companies, have your office premises inspected and approved by the Registrar of Labour Unions, and then submit a formal application with all the required documents. If all requirements are met, the Registrar issues a Certificate of Registration, confirming the union’s legal status.

Step-by-Step Process of Registering a Labour Union in Uganda

Step 1: Conduct a Name Search and Reservation

The registration process begins with reserving a suitable name for your union.

This is required under Regulation 5(c) of the Labour Union Regulations and Section 16 of the Labour Unions Act mandate that the name must not be confusingly similar to names of existing labour unions.

Step 2: Request an Inspection of Premises

Before registration, the union must have a physical office and address that meets the standards set by the Registrar.

Write to the Registrar of Labour Unions requesting an inspection of your proposed office premises.

Once the premises are found suitable, the Registrar issues a Certificate of Inspection (Form LU-3) as provided under Regulation 5(d).

Step 3: Prepare and Submit the Application for Registration

According to Section 14(1) of the Labour Unions Act, the Secretary General or another authorized officer must submit the registration application to the Registrar using Form LU-1, as prescribed under the Labour Union (Registration) Regulations, 2012.

Your application must include:

• Three certified copies of the union’s Constitution and Rules.
  
• The reserved name approved by the Registrar of Companies.
  
• The Certificate of Inspection (Form LU-3).
  
• A statement of particulars containing:
  
  • The name and address of the union.
    
  • The number and details of members (names, ages, nationalities, occupations, titles).
    
  • The date the union members engaged in the industry.
    
  • A revenue stamp of the prescribed value.

Thus, the above details must be prepared prior to submittting the application for registration.

Step 4: Registration Timeline and Certificate of Registration

Under Section 17(4), the Registrar is required to complete the registration process within 90 days from the date of submission.
Once all the requirements in Regulation 5 are fulfilled, the Registrar issues a Certificate of Registration (Form LU-4). This certificate serves as conclusive proof of registration and compliance with the Labour Unions Act.

Grounds for Refusal of Registration

The Registrar may refuse to register a labour union under Section 18 and Regulation 7 if:

• The application fails to meet the legal requirements.
  
• The union’s objectives or constitution conflict with the Labour Unions Act.
  
• Any of its officers have been convicted of offences involving fraud or dishonesty.
  
• The union is under the control of employers or political parties.
  

In such cases, the Registrar must notify the applicants in writing and provide reasons for refusal.

Cancellation of Registration

Under Section 19, the registration of a labour union may be cancelled if:

• The union is dissolved.
  
• Registration was obtained by fraud or mistake.
  
• The union carries out unlawful activities.
  
• The union fails to comply with the Act after receiving notice.
  

The union must be given two months to show cause why its registration should not be cancelled before the decision becomes final.

Appeal Process

If a union is dissatisfied with a refusal, delay, or cancellation of registration, it may appeal to the Industrial Court within one month under Section 20 of the Labour Unions Act.
While the appeal is pending, the law considers the union registered until the matter is resolved (Section 20(3)).

Conclusion

I hope you found this article helpful.

Just as other processes of registering organisations i.e NGOs, registering a Labour Union demands compliance with every set requirement which can be challenging without expert guidance.

At JurisPilot, we help employee groups and labour organisations complete the process of registereing labour unions in Uganda easily. Our expertise includes handling matters related to employment law.

Our legal team provides professional and timely assistance.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or get legal support for your union registration or labour law compliance needs.
Let us help you formalize your union and legally empower your members to protect their rights.