Respect workers’ contracts, government tells employers
Gender ministry’s David Mugisa (L) looks at Mr Kenneth Senono, a former employee of Tembo Steel factory in Lugazi, whose hand was amputated and never compensated. Photo by Stephen Otage
KAMPALA. Government has told employers to provide workers with contracts that define their relationship at work places so as to protect their rights.
While officiating at the International Day of Decent Work in Kampala last week, Mr David Mugisa, the commissioner occupational safety and health in the Gender ministry, said all employers are mandated by law to provide workers with some form of identification so that in case of any accident while on duty, the affected workers can be compensated appropriately.
“Even if you have contractors who have subcontracted people to do work on your site, there should be some sort of identification which defines who they are,” he said.
He cited Crestfoam mattress factory in Kampala where six workers died in a fire that gutted the factory early this year, adding that there will be 100 per cent compensation and those injured will be compensated too.
The law
The Employment Act, 2006, requires employers to sign contracts with workers stating the duration they will use the services of the workers.
Mr Raymond Adriko of Uganda Employers Association said the aim is to safeguard Ugandans from exploitation by ensuring that both the workers and employers contribute to pension schemes at the same time government benefits from Pay As You Earn contributions from the worker.
