Your Hard Work Powers the Nation– (ATGWU) Chair Dennis Oloro Applauds Uganda’s Workers on May Day 2026

KAMPALA, May 1, 2026– On a bright Workers’ Day morning at the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers’ Union (ATGWU) headquarters, Chairman Dennis Oloro stood before a sea of union members not just as a leader, but as a fellow worker who understands every early morning and late shift.

In a moving address to mark May 1, 2026, Oloro honoured the hard work, dedication, and resilience of Ugandan workers across the transport and general sectors—from long-distance drivers and mechanics to cleaners, loaders, and clerks who keep the nation’s economy moving.

“Today, we celebrate you. Not because it is a holiday, but because every other day, you show up. You endure long hours, difficult roads, and uncertain conditions—yet you remain the backbone of this country,”** Oloro said to cheers and waving union flags.

Reaffirming ATGWU’s core mission, Oloro declared that the union remains unshaken in its commitment to protecting workers’ rights, improving living standards, and advancing decent work for all members—regardless of their job title.

“Your rights are not negotiable. Whether you drive a fuel tanker, sweep a garage, or keep transport records, you deserve fair pay, safety, and dignity. ATGWU will continue to fight for you at every table, in every policy room, and on every site where injustice appears,”** he emphasized.

Oloro highlighted recent gains: improved safety protocols at select depots, ongoing negotiations for better medical coverage, and the introduction of new training programs aimed at upskilling informal transport workers into registered, decent employment. Notably, the union has also successfully lobbied for the implementation of a national minimum wage for transport workers, which is set to be phased in over the next year to ensure fair compensation across the sector.

The Chairman also urged workers to remain united, emphasizing that resilience without organization can only go so far. “Together, we have the power to transform not just our workplaces, but our communities. Let May Day 2026 be remembered as the day we recommitted to each other,” he said.

In addition to advocating for workers’ rights, Oloro addressed ongoing challenges such as rising fuel costs, rising inflation impacting workers’ purchasing power, and the urgent need for expanded social protection schemes. He called on government authorities to prioritize these issues in upcoming national policy reforms.

The celebration concluded with Oloro expressing appreciation to long-serving union members and leading a spirited chant of “Solidarity Forever.”

As the sun set over Kampala, one worker summed up the mood: “For the first time in years, I feel seen. Oloro didn’t just speak—he listened. That’s a good day.”

About ATGWU Uganda

The Amalgamated Transport and General Workers’ Union (ATGWU) represents thousands of workers in the transport, logistics, and general labour sectors across Uganda. The union champions decent work, social protection, fair wages, and collective bargaining, playing a vital role in advocating for workers’ rights and social justice in Uganda’s evolving economy.