Occupational Safety & Health

Why this matters

Construction remains the highest-risk industry in Uganda. The Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2025, which came into force on 25 July 2025, removed the 20-employee threshold from the original 2006 Act. Every construction site, regardless of size, must now comply with the full OSH framework. The Amendment Act No. 20 of 2025 empowers inspectors to initiate prosecutions with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions and broadens the functions of the Occupational Safety and Health Board. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to UGX 20 million, imprisonment, or personal prosecution of directors.

What we cover

• Universal scope: the Act now applies to all workplaces, including small enterprises, construction sites, farms, workshops, and mobile work environments
• Mandatory safety committees: every workplace must establish a Safety and Health Committee and designate a Safety and Health Officer
• Annual safety audits: every workplace must undergo a formal safety and health audit at least once every 12 months by a certified auditor registered with DOSH
• Health surveillance: employers must submit a health surveillance plan to the Commissioner for approval
• Operator certification: no person may operate any machine, plant, or equipment unless trained and certified under the Act

What we recommend

• Start your OSH compliance planning before mobilising to site, not after
• Appoint a competent Safety and Health Officer at the start of every project
• Keep your Safety File updated and accessible for DOSH inspections at all times
• Budget for PPE, training, medical exams, and the annual safety audit from day one