Bebe Cool Advocates for Fair Pay for Domestic Workers

Celebrated Ugandan ragga musician Bebe Cool is using his influential platform to champion the rights of domestic workers, calling for fair compensation and recognition of their vital contributions to households and society.

His recent remarks have sparked renewed conversation on the issue of domestic labor rights in Uganda.

Bebe Cool revealed that he has steadily increased the salary of his long-serving house help, Aisha, from Shs 300,000 to a significantly higher amount over the course of 15 years. His message was clear: domestic workers deserve respect, job security, and fair wages.

“People need to understand the value of the people who care for their homes and their children. Aisha has been with us for over a decade and her role is irreplaceable,” Bebe Cool said. “We should pay house helps what they truly deserve.”

His advocacy comes at a critical time, aligning with growing research and shifting attitudes towards domestic labor. A 2022 International Labour Organisation (ILO) study found that fair compensation not only reduces employee turnover but also improves the quality of child care and household stability.

The findings challenge prevailing practices in Uganda, where some domestic workers are still paid as little as Shs 100,000 per month, despite the demanding nature of their work.

Bebe Cool’s statement resonates with a broader national context. As Uganda continues its economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a noticeable societal shift toward appreciating and formalising domestic work.

According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, female workforce participation has risen by 10% since 2019, resulting in greater dependence on house helps in urban areas.

This is not just about salaries, it’s about dignity and justice If public figures like Bebe Cool can help raise awareness, we may begin to see real change in how domestic workers are treated across Uganda.

Social media responses to Bebe Cool’s comments have been largely positive, with many users commending his long-term commitment to supporting his staff and using his platform to address a historically overlooked issue.

With public attention now refocused on the realities facing house helps and nannies in Ugandan households, calls are mounting for the government to implement clear labor protections and minimum wage standards for domestic workers something labor unions and rights organisations have long demanded.

As Uganda moves toward greater recognition of informal labor sectors, Bebe Cool’s message may mark a cultural turning point that fairness at home is just as important as progress in the workplace.