The rule: Employment Act, 2006
Under the Employment Act, 2006 (sections 51–54), normal working time in Uganda is 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week. Hours worked beyond that on a normal working day are paid at 1.5x (150%) the normal hourly rate. Work on a gazetted public holiday is paid at 2x (200%), and the employer must also grant a compensatory holiday with full pay.
Overtime rate table
| Ordinary hour | 1.0x |
| Overtime on a normal day | 1.5x (150%) |
| Work on a public holiday | 2.0x (200%) + compensatory day |
Worked example
At an hourly rate of USh 5,000, two overtime hours on a normal day = 2 × 5,000 × 1.5 = USh 15,000. Eight hours on a public holiday = 8 × 5,000 × 2 = USh 80,000, plus a compensatory day off.
Limits, exemptions and who to contact
Use the Day type column above to mark a public holiday. Unpaid-overtime disputes are handled by a Labour Officer at the District Labour Office under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, with appeal to the Industrial Court.
- What is the overtime rate in Uganda?
- 1.5x on a normal working day; 2x on a gazetted public holiday (Employment Act, 2006).
- When does overtime begin?
- After 8 hours in a day or 48 hours in a week.
- Do I get extra for a public holiday?
- Yes — double pay plus a compensatory holiday with full pay.
- Who do I report unpaid overtime to?
- The District Labour Officer; appeals go to the Industrial Court.