The Minister of State for Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations, Esther Anyakun has strongly criticized industrialists in Njeru for subjecting workers to poor working conditions and meager wages.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement at Nile Breweries in Njeru, Buikwe District, Minister Anyakun expressed her disappointment over the widespread exploitation of casual workers, some of whom earn as little as shs 3,000 per day.
"I have received several complaints about the poor working conditions at your factories, particularly regarding labor rights, employment, and industrial relations. Some of you are paying casual workers only shs3,000 per day—what can one even buy with that? This is a total insult to both the workers and the government," she remarked.
The meeting, attended by local leaders, industrialists, and officials from the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, is part of the minister’s ongoing nationwide campaign to tackle excessive casualization of labor, poor working conditions, and inadequate occupational safety measures.
Despite invitations, only 20% of the industrialists turned up for the meeting, which the minister interpreted as a lack of concern for workers' welfare.
The Buikwe District Labour Officer, Mr. Godfrey Mpaata, also came under fire for allegedly siding with investors while neglecting workers' grievances. When questioned about his efforts to engage investors on labor matters, Mpaata struggled to respond, prompting the minister to question his commitment to the role.
The Mayor of Njeru Municipality, Yasin Kyazze represented by Councilor Umar Kigongo, acknowledged the positive role of investors in providing jobs but criticized those who continue to exploit workers.
"The mayor appreciates investors for employing the youth of Njeru and Buikwe District, but he is unhappy with factories that still pay workers peanuts and provide poor working conditions," Kigongo said.
The National Organization of Trade Unions (NOTU), represented by Chairman General Musa Okello encouraged workers to register with the union for better protection of their rights.
Minister Anyakun vowed to take stern action against exploitative employers and called for urgent reforms to ensure workers receive fair wages and decent working conditions.
The minister’s visit marks a continued push by the government to enforce labor laws and improve workplace standards across Uganda. She emphasized that while foreign investment is welcomed, it should not come at the expense of workers' dignity and rights.
This comes after several accidents registered in different industries in and around Njeru with fatalities on the increasing.
On 12th March Samuel Kasumba a supervisor at GM Sugar Factory in Njeru Municipality, Buikwe District, died in industrial accident when he was crushed by a running sugar mill during his night shift.
According to police reports, the incident occurred at around 3:47 AM. It is alleged that Kasumba was cleaning the old boiler while it was still running when the machine pulled him in, crushing him instantly.
Following the accident, fellow workers halted operations in protest, citing rampant workplace accidents at the factory. Reports indicate that GM Sugar Factory has recorded multiple fatalities in the past year, with three workers losing their lives and several others suffering injuries in 2024.
The Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with labor unions and local authorities, is expected to step up workplace inspections and policy enforcement to curb labor exploitation.
With growing pressure from government and trade unions, industrialists in Buikwe and other regions will need to reassess their labor practices or face stricter penalties. The government has also urged workers to report cases of exploitation to the Ministry of Labour and NOTU for necessary action.
This engagement highlights Uganda’s ongoing battle against labor exploitation and the government’s commitment to ensuring that workers receive fair treatment and just compensation for their labor.