NAKASEKE, Uganda — Uganda’s Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Esther Anyakun, has issued a sharp warning to the administrators of the Lao Shen (Kapeeka) Industrial Park, demanding an immediate end to the reported mistreatment of workers.
Ms. Anyakun visited the park last week for a political oversight mission where she met with administrators and factory workers.
During the visit, some workers alleged that their Chinese supervisors were assaulting them and making illegal salary deductions for offences such as dozing on the job. One worker reportedly showed the minister and her delegation slap marks on his cheek as evidence of the physical abuse.
The ministerial team, which included officials from the National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) and the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE), also discovered several workplace violations. Workers lacked protective gear and were operating under conditions of extremely high temperatures and excessive machine noise, which officials noted was detrimental to their health.
Minister Anyakun stressed that beating, abusive language, and all forms of mistreatment are strictly prohibited under Ugandan law.
While she praised the Lao Shen investors for creating 3,500 jobs, she insisted they must comply with the country’s labour laws and strike a balance between job quantity and quality.
Shida Nampomba, the park’s general manager, denied the mistreatment allegations. She confirmed the complex houses 31 factories, with 10 still under construction.
However, workers’ representatives highlighted further issues:
- NOTU Treasurer General Moses Mauku stated that workers lacked basic welfare facilities, did not have employment contracts or appointment letters, and that some textile factory employees appeared to be underage.
- Henry Saaba of the Uganda Employers Federation urged management to protect staff against work-related diseases and injuries, advising them to conduct health and safety audits.
The minister concluded by calling on all employers to work closely with government labour officials and workers’ representatives to ensure a safe and respectful work environment.
