Forced HIV testing of Hoima stadium workers irks MPs
Hoima West MP, Joseph Ruyonga has asked Government to investigate the allegations and punish managers of Suuma Construction Company over alleged forced HIV/AIDs testing on workers.
Suuma, is the company contracted for construction of Hoima Stadium meant to host AFCON 2027.
Keep Reading
On Wednesday, Ruyonga told Parliament that besides forced HIV testing, casual workers found HIV positive were being relieved of their duties by the company managers.
“Casual labourers working in some departments in Suuma Company, are being subjected to involuntary HIV testing without informed consent and those who have been found positive, have been terminated," Ruyonga explained.
He added, "The act of discrimination driven by ignorance and stigma surrounding HIV underscores the broader systemic issue with some companies operating in Uganda. It is both illegal and unethical to dismiss an individual based on their HIV status,” explained Ruyonga.
The legislator asserted that the treatment of terminated employees based on their HIV status not only violated their dignity but also contradicts Uganda Labour laws and international human rights.
"We call upon Government through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to investigate some of these companies and ensure, they comply with Uganda Labour laws.
This happened in Hoima, I couldn’t mention the staffs who were terminated because I never got written consent from them,” he said.
Reacting to the allegations, the State Minister for Primary Education, Dr. Joyce Moriku, described the development as sad and unlawful.
She also promised to ensure that the Ministry of Education and Sports investigates the allegations and takes appropriate action against the culprits.
“It is so sad to hear that there is compulsory testing for HIV for the workers who have been recruited to support the construction work and they have dismissed those who are HIV positive. This is against the labour laws and if it is true, permit that the Ministry follows this case closely and then we take action, and probably we give you feedback where necessary,” Dr. Moriku said.
