Labour Day in Uganda is a national public holiday to honor workers' contributions and advocate for labor rights and social justice. Aligned with global International Workers' Day traditions, Uganda began officially observing it in the 1970s, with increasing government and union participation.

When is Labour Day?

Labour Day in Uganda is celebrated every year on May 1.

The following is the list of Labour Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Labour Day?

Labour Day in Uganda aligns with International Workers' Day. While the holiday's origins trace back to the late 19th century, Uganda's specific historical engagement with Labour Day reflects its unique socio-political context.

The global observance of Labour Day began after the 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago, where workers striking for an eight-hour workday faced violent repression. This event led to the establishment of May 1st as a day to honor workers' contributions and rights.

In Uganda, the formal recognition of Labour Day as a public holiday is part of the country's broader commitment to acknowledging workers' roles in national development. The specific date when Uganda officially recognized Labour Day as a national holiday is not clearly documented. Trade unions in Uganda have played a significant role in advocating for workers' rights.

The first unions emerged during the British colonial period, with the formation of the Uganda African Motor Drivers' Association in 1939. The Uganda Trade Union Congress (UTUC), founded in 1955, was the country's first national center. Over the years, the labor movement in Uganda has evolved, influenced by various political and social changes.