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Welcome Message
I am greatly honoured on behalf of the Executive Council to warmly welcome you to the 30th Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Uganda Employers.

Two years ago, Delegates at the 28th Annual General Meeting entrusted me and my team with confidence to lead this august body.  I am happy to report that we have honourably executed the task and are highly indebted to you for the opportunity you accorded us to make a contribution to the development of FUE in the last two years.

By the time my team assumed office, FUE was one year down its third Strategic Plan (2006 – 2008).  The main objectives of that plan were:
  1. To develop and implement relevant Human Resource Training Programmes, Consultancy and Business Development Services
  2. To create capacity among Employers to maintain harmonious Employment/Labour Relations
  3. To develop, implement and manage projects for the benefit of Members
  4. To mobilize and organize Employers for the promotion of their interests
  5. To strengthen the capacity of the Secretariat in service delivery
The numerous activities that were undertaken by the Secretariat during that period is a clear testimony of the extent to which the plan objectives have been realized.  FUE continued to grow into a formidable professional body with a niche on Employment Relations, Training and Consultancy in Human Resource Management, advocacy on employment and labour issues, economic and social policy, business partnership, HIV/AIDS at the Workplace, Corporation Social Responsibility (CSR) and business development services.

With a major focus of improving service delivery and adding value to member organizations, the capacity of the Secretariat was strengthened and staff were taken through vigorous training in various disciplines.  Capacity building was also carried out for selected Sectoral Associations and member organizations to enable them interact amicably with Labour Unions.  To that effect only a few strikes took place in 2008 and these were quickly settled with FUE’s intervention.

Social Security and Pension Reforms, the management of NSSF, the proposed National Social Health Insurance (NSHI) Scheme, Local Service Tax as well as Business Technical and Vocational Training continued to preoccupy our advocacy agenda in 2008.  We followed with keen interest the NSSF Temangalo saga and presented a clear position of the Employers’ views to the relevant authorities.  Effective representation of Employers’ views was made on the different committees of the National Taskforce on the NSHI constituted by the Ministry of Health.  A lot of progress has been made in designing a scheme that is expected to cater for the best interests of all stakeholders.  The scheme is expected to start with civil servants and gradually bring the private sector and informal sector on board.  Consultations are still ongoing as to whether the country should have a single or multiple schemes and on how the private sector should get on board.

A number of provisions in the Employment Act, 2006, the Workers Compensation Act, 2006 and the Labour Unions Act, 2006 are unfriendly and still pause as a big challenge to the smooth running of business.  Efforts will continue to address this with the other two social partners.  In addition, a rigorous exercise was carried out by the Secretariat to educate Members and non-members about the Laws in a bid to promote self-regulation.

The preceding year witnessed an intensification of FUE activities at regional level.  With the support of Members and development partners, the three Regional Offices remained operational and these were used to coordinate FUE activities in 21 districts.

Permit me to register my appreciation to the following organizations for their support: Kasese Cobalt Co Ltd, Nail and Wood, Hima Cement for the FUE District Office in Kasese, National Water & Sewerage Corp, National Housing Construction Company, Uganda Coffee Development Authority, Sugar Corporation of Uganda Ltd, Institute of Management Science and Technology (IMSAT), the Northern Chili Association for the support to maintain the FUE Regional Office in Mbarara, Mbale and Lira respectively, Health Initiatives for the Private Sector (HIPS) for the HIV/AIDS and Good Life Program, Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO) for the Capacity Building and Private Sector Development Program and the Dutch Employers Cooperation Program (DECP) for Capacity Building Program.  FUE’s continued growth has largely depended on its big network and strategic partners.  To that effect, FUE maintained good relationship with all key Ministries, Government Bodies, Labour Unions, Sectoral Associations, selected civil society organizations and a number of development partners.

With support from Members and development partners namely, the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprises, Emerging Markets/ Health Initiatives for the Private Sector, the Dutch Employers Cooperation Programme (DECP), International Labour Organization Program on Elimination of Child Labour (ILO/IPEC) and the International Labour Organization Bureau for Employers’ Activities (ILO/ACT EMP) FUE was able to register the following achievements in 2008:
  • Raised U Shs371m/- from subscriptions and fees and US $332,000 for Projects
  • 36 new members joined the Employers’ Fraternity
  • A total of 300 members and 290 potential members were visited
  • 7 General Staff Management Development Programs were conducted, attended by 165 participants from 91 organizations
  • 32 Inhouse Training Programs attended by 1,710 participants from 27 organizations were conducted
  • 4 Consultancy Assignments were done including 2 Surveys
  • Conducted the 2008 Employer of the Year Award Survey
  • Representation in discussions on the Draft Pension and Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority Bill, the Business, Technical, Vocational Education and Training Act, 2008 and Local Government Amendment Act Act 2008
  • Representation on the National Social Insurance Scheme Taskforce
  • Presentation of Employers’ views on management of NSSF
  • Enhanced communication with Members through Weekly Updates
  • Representation of FUE at regional and international levels
  • Sensitized over 150 Employers on Labour Laws
  • Supported 5 members to conclude Collective Bargaining Agreement with Labour Unions
  • Implemented 5 Projects (FUE/HIS on HIV/AIDS)
My sincere appreciation is extended to FUE Members and development partners who supported FUE during 2008 to perform its work.

Guest of Honour, invited guests and delegates, permit me on your behalf to thank Government for continuing to create an enabling environment for business amidst the enormous challenges of a global financial crunch.  We further commend Government for its endeavours to improve the power supply and the tireless efforts to resolve the armed conflict in Northern Uganda and restore peace in the region.  Employers shall continue to play the role expected of them by Government to contribute to the growth and development of a vibrant economy in Uganda provided they are assured of a platform to interact through public private dialogue and obstacles hampering smooth operation of businesses are positively and timely addressed.

Guest of Honour, delegates, ladies and gentlemen, this august assembly is today, among others, expected to approve a fourth Strategic Plan for FUE (2009 – 2013).  The plan which was extensively studied and recommended by your Executive Council, is intended to serve three main purposes namely:
  • Present a clear strategic direction and philosophy in terms of FUE’s mandate, Vision, Mission and Core Values
  • Articulate the Federation’s priority areas of concern and the objectives and strategic actions to be undertaken to address these concern during the plan period
  • To provide a systematic platform for formulation of rolling annual work plans and budgets.
The new Strategic Plan provides a tall order of what should be done to propel FUE to greater heights.  As we prepare to mark 50 years of existence in August 2010, more commitment, support and dedication shall be required from Members, staff and well wishers to enable FUE achieve its goals by 2013 of strengthening strategic partnerships to better meet Members’ expectations.

In conclusion, I extend my appreciation to my Vice Chairman, Executive Council Members, Executive Director and Staff of FUE for their cooperation which made it easy to execute our work.  I wish the coming Executive the best of luck.

I thank you for attending the 30th Annual General Meeting of FUE and wish you fruitful deliberations.

Guest of Honour, it is now my honour and pleasure to request you to address the audience.

I thank you for attending the 30th Annual General Meeting of FUE and wish you fruitful deliberations.

I thank you for your attention
 
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