KAMPALA.
The Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development has inaugurated a new four-member Medical Arbitration Board (MAB) .
Its major task is to handle disputes arising from workplace injuries and occupational diseases, in a move aimed at improving access to compensation for workers.
The board, sworn in on March 31, is chaired by orthopaedic specialist Moses Chesro and includes members Jane Nakibuka, Emmanuel Adupa and Apollo Onzoma.
Officials say the board will play a central role in resolving disputes related to medical assessments, degree of injury, incapacity and long-term effects of occupational diseases.
Permanent Secretary Aggrey Kibenge said the initiative is intended to strengthen fairness, efficiency and accountability in the compensation system.
“We attach great importance to ensuring that laws, policies and institutional mechanisms are effectively implemented to deliver meaningful outcomes,” he said.
Under the new framework, complaints will be filed at district labour offices before being escalated to the board, which will make final medical determinations.
The move comes amid concerns over limited insurance coverage. Data from the Uganda Insurers Association shows only 49 percent of 246 organisations have workers’ compensation insurance, leaving many employees exposed.
State Minister for Youth and Children Balaam Barugahara said the board will help ensure justice for workers injured in the line of duty, particularly young people entering high-risk sectors such as construction, manufacturing and agriculture.
“For these workers, access to a fair and efficient compensation system is not just a legal requirement; it is a matter of social justice,” he said.
However, the board faces an immediate challenge of case backlog. Dr Chesro acknowledged a large number of pending cases, pledging to hold monthly sittings to clear them by 2026.
“We shall ensure that no company is favoured and that all workers get justice in time,” he said, urging employees to report grievances through district labour offices.
The MAB is established under the Workers Compensation Act and is mandated to review medical evidence, conduct assessments and issue binding decisions on disputed compensation claims.
Officials say the board’s work is expected to streamline the process, reduce delays and restore confidence among workers, employers and insurers in the compensation system.
