Workers' compensation in Uganda
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Compensation the Act sets under s.6: permanent partial incapacity, whether or not the worker was negligent (s.3(6)). A contract of service can pay more (s.5(1)).
| 60 × UGX 800,000 monthly earningss.6(1) | UGX 48,000,000 |
| Loss of hand at wrist: 60%Second Schedule | × 60% |
| Compensation | UGX 28,800,000 |
Indicative: the labour officer, the medical assessment and the court decide the final amount. Reasonable medical and transport costs are paid on top (s.24), and temporary incapacity is set case by case (s.7). Several injuries from one accident are added up, but never above the amount for permanent total incapacity (s.6(2)).
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What the Act pays
| Outcome | Compensation | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Death, with dependants | 60 × monthly earnings, paid to the labour commissioner for the dependants | 4(1), 4(5) |
| Death, no dependants | Medical and burial expenses | 4(2) |
| Permanent total incapacity | 60 months' earnings; + one quarter if constant help is needed | 5 |
| Permanent partial incapacity | Schedule % (or % of lost earning capacity) × 60 × monthly earnings | 6 |
| Temporary incapacity | Lump sum or periodic payments set by the court; up to 96 months | 7 |
| Medical aid | Reasonable medical, transport and incidental costs | 24 |
Monthly earnings are the rate of pay over the 12 months before the accident (s.8). Compensation is due whether or not the worker was negligent (s.3(6)), and a contract can provide more (s.5(1)). Source: Workers Compensation Act, Cap. 225.
Percentages of the Second Schedule
| Injury | % |
|---|---|
| Loss of two limbs, total loss of sight, total paralysis | 100 |
| Loss of arm at shoulder / leg at or above knee | 70 |
| Loss of hand at wrist; four fingers and thumb | 60 |
| Loss of hearing, both ears | 50 |
| Loss of leg below knee; loss of foot | 40 |
| Loss of four fingers; thumb (both phalanges) | 35 |
| Loss of an eye or its sight | 30 |
| Loss of all toes | 15 |
| Loss of index finger (three phalanges) | 10 |
| Loss of hearing, one ear | 7 |
For a right-handed worker, injuries to the left arm or hand count at 90% of these percentages (and the reverse for a left-handed worker); several injuries cannot exceed the amount for permanent total incapacity (s.6(2)).
Worked example
| Worker earning UGX 800,000 a month | Calculation | Compensation (UGX) |
|---|---|---|
| Loss of hand at wrist | 60% × 60 × 800,000 | 28,800,000 |
| Loss of index finger, three phalanges | 10% × 60 × 800,000 | 4,800,000 |
| Permanent total incapacity, constant help needed | 60 × 800,000 × 1.25 | 60,000,000 |
| Death, with dependants | 60 × 800,000 | 48,000,000 |
Employers: the cost of this liability is why the Act makes insurance compulsory — see business insurance in Uganda or request quotes.
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Frequently asked questions
How is workers' compensation calculated in Uganda?
As a multiple of monthly earnings: 60 times for death or permanent total incapacity, and the Second Schedule percentage of 60 months' earnings for a permanent partial injury.
How much compensation for the loss of a finger in Uganda?
The Second Schedule sets 10% of 60 months' earnings for the whole index finger, 6% for the middle finger, 5% for the ring finger and 4% for the little finger.
Is workers' compensation insurance compulsory in Uganda?
Yes. Section 18 requires every employer to insure and keep insured its liability under the Act.
Who receives compensation when a worker dies?
It is paid to the labour commissioner, who pays the dependants with the Administrator General according to their degree of dependence (s.4(5)).