On 11th September 2025, the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) hosted the Employer of the Year Awards (EYA) Dinner at Mestil Hotel, Kampala. This annual celebration brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to honour organisations that stand out for their business practices and people-focused policies.
The 2024/25 theme, “Investing in Uganda’s Future: Employers Fostering Job Creation,” emphasised how companies can contribute to tackling Uganda’s pressing unemployment challenge, aligned with the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV), which targets creating over 880,000 jobs annually.
The evening’s Chief Guest was Hon. Esther Anyakun, Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations), joined by dignitaries such as Belgian Ambassador Hugues Chantry.
The Big Winners: MTN Uganda and Nile Breweries
The night’s highest honours went to MTN Uganda and Nile Breweries Limited, who both walked away with Gold Awards for their role in job creation, innovation, and fostering inclusive work environments. These organisations have consistently invested in talent development and workplace diversity, ensuring their teams remain motivated and competitive in a rapidly evolving labour market.
Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda was recognised with the Bronze Award, cementing its position as one of the most admired employers in the country.
Special Category Leaders
Beyond the overall winners, several employers stood out for their targeted contributions to the workforce and communities:
- Best SME/Indigenous Employer: Margherita Technical Institute
- Talent Management Excellence: Uganda Breweries Limited
- Sexual Reproductive Health & Gender Equity: Multichoice Uganda Limited
- Best Government Agency Employer: Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation
- Disability Inclusion Champion: Hariss International Limited
- Elimination of Child Labour: Kyagalanyi Coffee Limited
Sectoral Trailblazers
Breaking Barriers: Charles Mudiwa on Intergenerational Leadership at Makerere The EYA Dinner also honoured employers in specific industries:
- Agriculture: Agri-Evolve Uganda Limited (Overall Sector Winner)
- Tourism & Hospitality: Mountains of the Moon Hotel (Overall Winner), alongside Nyaika Hotel (Rwenzori Region) and Golden Castle Hotel Hoima (Albertine Region)
- Service Sector: Mountains of the Moon University
- NGO Sector: Baylor Foundation Uganda
Why These Employers Stand Out
According to Prof. Julius Kikooma, Lead EYA Survey Consultant, Uganda’s biggest employment challenge remains the absorption of thousands of graduates entering the job market every year. He commended organisations that are deliberately investing in talent management, diversity, inclusion, and responsible labour practices, like the elimination of child labour.
FUE’s Chief Executive Officer, Douglas Opio, emphasised that employers recognised at the awards are aligned with the country’s NDP IV job creation agenda. He applauded them for innovating HR strategies and workplace practices that not only benefit their employees but also help Uganda stay competitive on the global stage.
Building Uganda’s Future Workforce
The EYA Awards underscore one central message: Uganda’s most successful employers are those who understand that people are their greatest asset. From multinational giants like MTN and Coca-Cola to local champions like Margherita Technical Institute and Kyagalanyi Coffee, the commitment to fostering inclusive, innovative, and sustainable workplaces sets a clear benchmark for others to follow.
In a country where the youth population is rapidly growing, and job creation is both a necessity and a national priority, the recognition of these employers is not just symbolic—it is a blueprint for what the future of work in Uganda must look like.
