Ugandan businesses must embrace human rights due diligence

What the report says

The Observer published a viewpoint arguing that Ugandan companies should move beyond basic legal compliance and make human rights due diligence a standard part of business practice. The piece says firms should identify, prevent, mitigate and account for harms linked to their operations, with attention not only to profits but also to workers, surrounding communities, the environment and other human rights impacts.

The article places this argument in the context of growing investment in sectors such as oil and gas, mining, agriculture, construction and manufacturing, where commercial activity can affect land rights, safety, livelihoods and access to remedies. It also points to Uganda’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, which is framed as an important step toward responsible business conduct, even though the author says implementation has been uneven.

The commentary also notes that global expectations are changing, with some jurisdictions introducing mandatory due diligence rules and investors paying closer attention to environmental, social and governance performance. In the writer’s view, Ugandan businesses that adopt these practices early may be better positioned for international markets and responsible investment. The article adds that small and medium-sized enterprises may need support from government, business groups and civil society to build the skills and tools required for due diligence.