Improving the working terms and conditions of platform workers in Uganda’s digital platform economy
The global digitalisation of work has given rise to the Digital platform economy, fundamentally reshaping labour markets which have overly been shaped by traditional employment relationships. In Africa, this digital growth is driven by increased penetration of smart mobile phones, internet access, and the growing population dominated by the youths(CIPESA, 2023). Digital Platform work has a great potential to generate more income opportunities especially for Uganda’s growing youth population because of the ease and flexibility it presents when it comes to accessing the Labour market. However, it also has the potential of eroding labour protections and safeguards if not properly regulated.(Mothobi,O, 2021). This policy brief draws insights from the existing literature, comparative case studies and interviews from a few stakeholders to highlight the key challenges platform workers in Uganda’s digital platform economy are experiencing. It further examines Uganda’s legal and regulatory framework in extending protection to platform workers, highlights legislative reforms in other jurisdictions and proposes policy recommendations for a more equitable digital platform economy in Uganda.