Uganda Employment Guide

Paid Time Off (PTO) Entitlements in Uganda

Both full-time and part-time employees in Uganda are entitled to 21 working days of paid time off annually. PTO accrues at a rate of 7 days for every 4 months of continuous service. Eligibility for PTO begins only after an employee completes the initial 4-month employment period.

Uganda's Public Holiday Schedule

Uganda recognizes 13 official public holidays throughout the year. These national observances include:

1. New Year's Day (January 1st)
2. National Resistance Movement Liberation Day (January 26th)
3. International Women's Day (March 8th)
4. Good Friday (Date varies)
5. Easter Monday (Date varies)
6. Labour Day (May 1st)
7. Martyrs' Day (June 3rd)
8. National Heroes' Day (June 9th)
9. Eid al-Fitr (Date varies)
10. Independence Day (October 9th)
11. Eid al-Adha (Date varies)
12. Christmas Day (December 25th)
13. Boxing Day (December 26th)

Practical Implementation for International Employers

Companies like SailGlobal often implement hybrid models that combine Ugandan statutory requirements with international best practices. For example, many organizations now offer floating holidays to accommodate diverse religious observances beyond the officially recognized Islamic holidays.

Regional Comparison

Uganda's 21-day PTO allocation compares favorably with neighboring Kenya (21 days) and Tanzania (28 days), making it competitive within the East African Community. However, employers should note that Ugandan law requires uninterrupted service before PTO eligibility, unlike some regional counterparts that offer immediate accrual.