Kampala, Uganda | Uganda’s non-profit sector is being urged to redefine its human resource practices as the cornerstone of organizational resilience amid evolving regulations, shifting donor priorities, and increasing demands for sustainable impact. This call to action was made during the NGO HR Summit held in Kampala under the theme “From Uncertainty to Opportunity: People, Purpose, and Progress.”
The summit, hosted by BrighterMonday Uganda in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, brought together HR professionals, NGO leaders, and policymakers to explore how human resource management can transition from traditional administration to a strategic driver of sustainability and decent work across the development sector.
Xenia Wachira, Country Director of BrighterMonday Uganda, reflected on the summit’s journey from concept to reality, emphasizing the growing importance of HR in driving institutional effectiveness within NGOs. “It’s an honour to finally make a concept a reality. There is so much happening in the NGO sector, yet we don’t often get to hear about it,” she said. “We are happy to support the NGO world and see how we can build organizations that not only create impact but also nurture their people.”
Wachira traced BrighterMonday’s evolution since its founding in 2014, explaining that the company has expanded beyond a job platform into a full-service people solutions provider, offering recruitment, training, and employer branding. “We are your business partners,” she added. “We solve challenges from talent acquisition to aligning job structures with organizational strategy. The world of work has changed—and we’ve evolved with it.”
She also highlighted the company’s Gen Kazi Initiative, designed to bridge the gap between job supply and demand, particularly among Uganda’s youth.
Pamela Kabahesi, Country Programs Lead at BrighterMonday Uganda, echoed this message, stressing the importance of creating meaningful, dignified employment. “Employment is not just about wages,” she said. “It’s about work that is dignified and fulfilling. Uganda has one of the youngest populations in Africa we must nurture this talent, guide them through their careers, and help shape the leaders they will become.”
Kabahesi called for deeper collaboration between NGOs and the private sector to ensure that young people entering the workforce are employable and supported to grow. “Job seekers need to be ready for opportunities, but employers must also nurture and mentor young people,” she added. “If both sides speak the same language, it becomes easier for graduates to find meaningful employment.”
Delivering the keynote address, Zakari Kansiime, Commissioner at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, applauded BrighterMonday Uganda, the NGO HR Network, and the Mastercard Foundation for fostering dialogue around strategic HR leadership. He emphasized HR’s critical role in ensuring decent work, compliance, and ethical governance across Uganda’s NGO sector.
“Your theme, From Uncertainty to Opportunity: People, Purpose, Progress, truly captures the spirit of our times,” he said. “Partnerships like the one between BrighterMonday Uganda and the NGO HR Network are crucial for harnessing Uganda’s young population and turning potential into productivity.”
Kansiime reaffirmed government commitment to work closely with NGOs in strengthening compliance, protecting workers’ rights, and promoting decent work. He outlined areas of collaboration, including labor audits, policy alignment, HR capacity building, and psychosocial well-being for NGO staff, particularly those in humanitarian roles.
“Compliance may stop the work temporarily, but fairness must never stop,” he cautioned. “When we take care of our people, we strengthen our institutions. HR must become a strategic guardian of sustainability, not just an administrative support.”
He also encouraged NGOs to seek early consultation with labor offices to address employment challenges lawfully and fairly, noting that “compliance is always cheaper than correction.”
Throughout the summit, participants discussed how NGOs can remain agile amid uncertainty by prioritizing people-centered strategies, embracing technology, and fostering inclusive workplaces. As Uganda’s non-profit sector continues to employ tens of thousands and drive social impact across health, education, and governance, the summit concluded with a shared message that progress begins with people.
“Together, we can build organizations that are compliant, compassionate, and resilient—and a labor environment that promotes dignity, fairness, and decent work for all,” Kansiime concluded.