The Ministry of Finance has taken action to address the issue of unpaid salary arrears for casual labourers employed by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), according to the Minister of State for Finance (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi.
During a plenary sitting of Parliament chaired by Speaker Anita Among on Thursday, March 28, 2024, the Minister provided assurance regarding the release of funds required to settle the outstanding salary arrears. However, specific figures were not disclosed.
The assurance from the Minister came in response to concerns raised by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, regarding the non-payment of dues to KCCA casual labourers. Ssenyonyi highlighted a recent demonstration by these labourers, despite previous assurances from KCCA leadership and the Speaker’s intervention.
Ssenyonyi emphasized the urgency of prioritizing the payments and requested feedback from the government to Parliament regarding the resolution of the issue.
Speaker Among also expressed disappointment over the delayed payments and criticized the harsh treatment of the demonstrating casual labourers by security agencies. She highlighted the disproportionate use of force, including teargas and physical violence, against individuals peacefully protesting for their rightful dues.
Hon. Nobert Mao, Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, attributed the excessive use of force to the absence of regulations for the Public Order Management Act. He emphasized the need for regulations to prevent such violations of constitutional rights and ensure appropriate law enforcement measures.
The situation regarding the delayed payments was discussed during a meeting on March 5, which included the Speaker, KCCA leaders such as Minister Hon. Minsa Kabanda, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, and Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka. It was agreed during this meeting that payments would be made to the sweepers’ Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) by March 6, 2024.
The street sweepers, organized into SACCOs, have faced significant financial challenges, enduring over four months without receiving their salaries.
