What is unfair dismissal in Uganda?
In brief
Under the Employment Act, the employer must prove the reason for dismissal; if it cannot, the termination is unfair (s.67). A fair procedure — explanation and a hearing — is also required. An employee with at least 13 weeks' continuous service may complain of unfair termination to a labour officer within three months of dismissal (ss.65, 70), and the remedies include a basic award and additional compensation (ss.76–77).
A little more detail
'Unfair' (no valid reason / unfair process) and 'unlawful' (no proper notice) are separate wrongs — a single dismissal can be both.
What to do next
See the unfair-dismissal note and the unfair-dismissal-claim checklist to act within the three-month window.
The law
- Employment Act, Cap. 226 (2023 Revision) — ss.65, 67, 70, 76–77.
Quick guide · Employment & labour.
Actively maintained.
Last reviewed 9 June 2026; next review due 9 June 2027.
This resource is a practitioner orientation and general information, not legal advice, and does not create an advocate–client relationship. It is AI-generated. Ugandan law changes and chapter and section numbers were revised in the 2023 Laws of Uganda. Verify every statute, rule, form, fee and authority against the current primary source — and the specific facts of your matter — before relying on it.