By Stephen Wandera

A national survey carried out in companies and nongovernmental organizations has identified the best employers in 2023. Out of over two hundred organizations that participated, fourteen have been identified as the best employers. 

The study commissioned by the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) and carried out by a team of independent researchers led by Prof. Kikooma Julius, Makerere University singled out MTN Uganda as the best employer scooping the gold award. Nile Breweries Ltd got silver and its rival Uganda Breweries Ltd took bronze.

Others awarded are Young Agro Green Africa Network, Carrefour Uganda, and Wagagi Limited,  Nyakatonzi Growers Cooperative Union, National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda, Sandton Hotel Kasese and Miika Resort Ltd, Malemo Food Company Ltd, Marifa Investments Ltd, and Grand Thompson.

Speaking to journalists after the award, Emmanuel Njjuki, Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs Nile Breweries Ltd said the awards are a sign of confidence employees have in the companies recognized.

In the survey for the awards on the theme: employer competitiveness in the post-Covid-19 era Prof. Kikooma, said 203 companies participated with 1712 employers and employees being interviewed.   

“The models used in the awards consider a small subset of criteria in measuring competitiveness such as sales, growth, and profits. We looked at employer competitiveness in terms of quality and company performance; innovation; risk and compliance; customer experience; and workplace culture,” he said.

Adding, “We also considered physical and mental wellness, work-life balance, workplace health, safety and security management, talent management strategies and practices, employment of persons with different abilities.”

Kikooma however said some concerns that emerged during the survey need to be addressed.

“For the large companies, decent work agenda; work-life balance; sexual reproductive health and employment of people with specific abilities were poorly evaluated by employees,” he said.

According to Dr. Eng Silver Mugisha, FUE Chairperson, the awards identified good practices, and areas of improvement and subsequently created learning opportunities for employers to deliver better on their respective mandates.

Douglas Opio, the Executive Director, FUE said the event recognizes enterprises that emphasize good management practices and aims to promote the best human resource management and business practices for organizational growth and profitability.

Jonan Kisakye, the Chief Executive Officer, Uganda Insurance Association urged employers to consider workman compensation and medical insurance for employees.

He said a healthy workforce can deliver results for an organization to be profitable.

Chief Guest Luc Pirsson, Deputy Head of Mission & Head Cooperation congratulated the award winners and also hailed the cordial business relationship between Uganda, the European Union, and Belgium in particular.