Mbarara drafts by-law to secure jobs for locals

Mbarara Municipal Council is working on a by-law that mandates contractors of both government and private projects to offer at least 40 per cent of casual jobs to youth from the area.
The leaders contend that the move will solve unemployment levels in the district.
The motion was moved by the councillor for Katete Ward in Nyamitanga Division, Mr Shaffi Kagiko, during a council meeting on Wednesday
He argued that over time, he has observed that many youth from the area, who are willing to work, are not offered jobs whenever major projects are being executed.
“We are not against other Ugandans working here but we are promoting ‘local content’ and I request for your support towards this cause. This by-law is to ensure that anybody who wins a contract here must employ at least 40 per cent of the workers from Mbarara and then they can think about the others.”
Mr Kagiko observed that there are hardly any casual labourers from Mbarara District employed in the ongoing construction of Mbarara Central Market. Daily Monitor could not independently verify his claim.
The female councillor for Ruharo Ward, Ms Monica Mutabarura, said construction projects are meant to reduce unemployment in the areas of operation but not importing labour from distant areas.
“I support the motion that when a company comes to do projects here, casual labourers should be local residents so that they can as well benefit from the project in their area,” Ms Mutabarura said.
The motion was backed by other councillors, including Mr Amos Katureebe of Nyamityobora Ward and Mr Muzamilu Ssekajja, the secretary for works.
Mr Ssekajja said when the by-law is passed, it will help them provide jobs to the local people and youth roaming in town.
The speaker, Mr Bonny Tashobya Karutsya, said they have sent the motion back to the committee for discussion and will invite other stakeholders to give their views.
“To me, the motion is good; people within should always take first priority when there is any project in the municipality and some places have always done it. You should not have a contract and then you bring people from China to start doing casual work,” Mr Tashobya said.