By Darious Magara

THE National Organisation of Trade Unions of Uganda has started an HIV/AIDS programme for workers to reduce stigma and boost productivity at the workplace.

“We want employers to know that HIV-positive people have a right to employment and must not be discriminated against in the process of recruitment,” Wilson Owere, the general chairman, said.

The programme, which began last week with the training of the national leaders of the affiliate unions, intends to train employers and members of unions countrywide.

It will also involve placing of condoms at work places, selling messages discouraging the practice of workers who are found HIV-positive from losing their jobs, Were said.

“Those who are already employed must not lose their employment on grounds of their HIV/AIDS status,” he said.

“We are going to work with the Federation of Uganda Employers, the labour ministry and all stakeholders to achieve our goal,” he added.

The affiliate organisations include the Transport Union, Fisheries Union and the Plantation Union.

The program is funded by the Trade Union Confederation of Britain and supported by the International Labour Organisation.