BUSHENYI, Uganda — Operations at Igara Growers Tea Factory Limited in Bushenyi District came to a standstill on Monday after workers staged a sit-down strike protesting unpaid salaries and unremitted social security contributions.
The employees accuse factory management of failing to pay their wages since November, leaving many workers struggling to meet basic needs such as rent, food, and school fees.
According to the workers, the situation has worsened over the past months, with some employees reportedly facing eviction from their homes due to accumulated rent arrears.
Workers also claim that the factory has failed to remit their National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions, which they say now amount to approximately UGX 1.6 billion.
The protest brought activities at the factory to a halt as workers gathered within the premises, demanding immediate action from management to address their grievances.
Established during the government of Idi Amin in the 1970s, Igara Growers Tea Factory is one of the largest tea processing factories in the East African region and plays a significant role in supporting tea farmers and employment in Bushenyi and surrounding districts.
Workers say they will continue with the strike until their salaries are paid and the outstanding NSSF contributions are cleared.
By press time, factory management had not yet issued an official response regarding the workers’ concerns.
