The National Union of Plantation and Agricultural Workers of Uganda (NUPAWU) has warned of increasing job losses in Uganda’s agricultural sector, citing automation, artificial intelligence, and the worsening effects of climate change as key threats to workers' livelihoods.
Speaking at the union’s 14th quinquennial delegates’ conference in Mukono under the theme “Rooted in Solidarity, Growing Stronger,” NUPAWU Chairperson Moses Ogwok said the sector was becoming increasingly fragile.
“Job losses are becoming more frequent due to the impact of climate change, increasing automation, and the rise of artificial intelligence in agricultural processes,” Ogwok said.
“These changes pose serious challenges to our members, and we must adapt if we are to continue protecting their rights and livelihoods.”
The conference convened union leaders, government officials and industry players to deliberate on the shifting dynamics affecting Uganda’s plantation and farm workforce.
Ogwok called for urgent investment in reskilling workers, boosting social protection, and strengthening policy safeguards to prepare the sector for the looming digital and environmental transition.
Workers’ MP Dr Abdul Byakatonda echoed these concerns, noting that while technology can improve efficiency, it also risks displacing thousands of workers if unregulated.
“I am currently moving a private member’s bill to address these issues so the country can mitigate the adverse effects that come with automation and AI,” he said.
NUPAWU General Secretary Joram Bruno Pajobo also drew attention to a growing crisis in the sugar sector.
He criticised the increasing number of sugarcane millers operating without owning any plantation land, saying the trend was fuelling a destructive cycle of unhealthy competition.
“While this situation promotes high competition among producers on one side, it creates room for theft of raw materials, high cost of production, low-quality products, poor salaries and wages, and even tax evasion,” Pajobo warned.
He urged the government to tighten licensing requirements and review the operational models of existing factories.
Buwologoma West MP and former NOTU Secretary General Christopher Peter Werikhe backed the union’s call, expressing concern at the proliferation of sugar factories that rely entirely on out-growers.
“Traditionally, a good sugar factory must have its own garden and also support out-growers to ensure a stable supply,” Werikhe said.
“As Parliament, we are pushing for legislation that will require such factories to own at least 100 acres of land and demonstrate how they support out-growers.”
He argued that such a law would help ease tensions and limit unfair competition between established and emerging millers.
Responding to the union’s concerns, Peter Apollo Onzoma, assistant commissioner for Industrial Relations at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, admitted that inadequate logistical support had slowed down factory inspections.
“We have had logistical challenges in carrying out adequate inspections, but the government is committed to providing the necessary support to increase our presence in the industries,” Onzoma said.
He also acknowledged that Uganda’s social security coverage remains low, but revealed that the ministry is drafting a strategy to expand protection for workers across all sectors.
NUPAWU is now urging the government, private sector and development partners to prioritise policies that support reskilling, digital literacy, and long-term sustainability for Uganda’s agricultural labour force.