pdf A Legacy of Social Justice, One Case at a Time

A Legacy of Social Justice, One Case at a Time

Summary Overview:

This celebrates the 25-year journey of Platform for Labour Action (PLA), a Ugandan NGO founded in 2000 by three women lawyers. PLA focuses on empowering vulnerable workers, especially domestic workers, child labourers, and casual labourers through legal aid, vocational training, and advocacy.

Key Highlights:

• Transformational Stories:

  • Shafic, a former child labourer, became a hairdresser and now supports his family.
  • Sharon, once a domestic worker, now runs her own tailoring business.

• Impact Over 25 Years:

  • Over 57,000 individuals supported.
  • UGX 2.98 billion (approx. $800,000) recovered in unpaid wages and claims.
  • 1,700+ people trained in vocational skills.
  • 650 children kept in school through tuition and materials support.

• Strategic Evolution:

  • Started with legal aid, expanded to include vocational and financial training.
  • Advocated for policy reforms including:
    • Reinstating Uganda’s Industrial Court.
    • Pension access amendments.
    • Recognition of domestic workers in the Employment Act.

• Community-Centered Approach:

  • PLA’s work is shaped by the lived experiences of its clients.
  • Created Uganda’s first Domestic Workers Association.
  • Continued outreach during COVID-19 via radio and mobile platforms.

• Vision for the Future:

  • Aspires to become a living institution that redefines justice for the working poor.
  • Emphasizes sustainability, visibility, and community-rooted transformation.

Authored by Wobusobozi Amooti Kangere 

For more comprehensive information, please download the article.