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Uganda

Vacation and Leave Policies

Understand the regulations on vacation and other types of leave in Uganda

Holiday leave

In Uganda, employees who have completed a year of continuous service with the same employer are entitled to paid annual leave. The exact number of leave days is usually stipulated in the employment contract or agreement.

Entitlement

The right to annual leave is dependent on uninterrupted employment with the same employer.

Unused Leave

As per the Employment Act, employees cannot accumulate or carry over unused leave days. They are also not entitled to financial compensation for unused leave days unless it is specified in their contract.

Scheduling

The Employment Act states that employers and employees must mutually agree on when to take leave. However, the law does not prescribe specific timeframes for this. It's important to note that employers generally have more authority in determining leave schedules.

Public holidays

Uganda celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays can be categorized into national and religious holidays.

National Holidays

Uganda observes several national holidays, which include:

  • New Year's Day on January 1st
  • Liberation Day on January 26th
  • International Women's Day on March 8th
  • Labour Day on May 1st
  • Martyrs' Day on June 3rd
  • National Heroes Day on June 9th
  • Independence Day on October 9th
  • Christmas Day on December 25th
  • Boxing Day on December 26th

Religious Holidays

In addition to national holidays, Uganda also observes both Christian and Muslim holidays. The dates for these holidays vary as they follow their respective religious calendars. These include:

  • Good Friday
  • Easter Monday
  • Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting
  • Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Feast of Sacrifice," a significant Islamic holiday

It's important to note that the dates of religious holidays change annually. Therefore, it's always a good idea to double-check the specific dates closer to the time, especially when planning travel.

Types of leave

In Uganda, employees are entitled to various types of leave, each with its own set of rules and regulations.

Annual Leave

Employees who have worked for a continuous year are entitled to paid annual leave. The specific number of days is determined by individual contracts or company policies. This is in accordance with the Employment Act, 2006, Part VII, Sections 51-54.

Sick Leave

After completing four consecutive weeks of service, employees are entitled to paid sick leave. The duration depends on the length of service and is often outlined in employment contracts or company policies. This is based on the Employment Act, 2006, Part VII, Sections 55-57.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 60 working days of paid maternity leave, as per the Employment Act, 2006, Part VII, Section 58.

Paternity Leave

Male employees are entitled to four working days of paid paternity leave, as stated in the Employment Act 2006.

Bereavement Leave

Bereavement leave may be granted for a short period following the death of an immediate family member. Provisions are often outlined in company policies or employment contracts.

Company Policies

It's important to note that many employers offer leave provisions that may exceed the legal minimums outlined in the Employment Act. These would be outlined in employment contracts or employee handbooks.

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