Sacked officials sue women parliamentary association

By Andante Okanya  

Three officials sacked by a Women MPs lobby group Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA), have sued it over breach of contract.

The trio that was sacked on May 24 this year are Rita Atukwasa (Chief executive officer and coordinator), Sylvia Omolo Kyomuhendo (ex-advocacy and communications officer), and Maria Goretti Kabasomi (administrative assistant).

In the suit filed at the High Court in Kampala on October 5, they contend that they had running contracts of service fixed for six years, expiring in December 2016. Through Kwari-Kyerere and Company Advocates, they are demanding damages and salary arrears.

"Plaintiffs aver that by reason of defendants’ wrongfully terminating their contracts, they suffered loss of anticipated income, other attendant privileges and benefits for the terminated period," the trio contends.

The aggrieved assert that in a letter dated May 24, 2012, the association executives, without giving the mandatory three notices, instructed them to handover duties, vacate by the end of the month, and give way for fresh recruits.

The trio states that effective this year on July 1, new staff have since been hired, which in effect means they have been removed from their jobs.

For special damages, Atukwasa whose monthly salary was sh3.5m, multiplied by three months, wants sh10.5m. Kyomuhendo whose salary was sh2.1m wants sh6.3m, while Kabasomi whose salary was sh900, 000 wants sh2.7m.

For salary arrears, Atukwasa is demanding sh49.5m for 14 months, Kyomuhendo sh25.2m for 12 months, while Kabasomi's is sh12.6m.

The trio is also claiming work expenses, with Atukwasa demanding sh550, 000, sh650, 000 medical expenses, and sh3.5m annual leave not taken. Kyomuhendo wants sh590, 000 expenses refund, and sh2.1m annual leave not taken. Kabasomi wants sh300, 000 expenses refund plus sh900, 000 annual leave not taken.

For loss of anticipated income for the remaining 54 months, Atukwasa is demanding sh189m; Kyomuhendo wants sh113.4m, while Kabasomi wants sh48.6m

The trio further state that by virtue of part of the Employment Act Laws of Uganda, they are entitled to severance pay, which is a retrenchment benefit.

Court has ordered the UWOPA executive to file its defence within 15 days. In the summons dated October 5, 2012, issued by the civil division registrar Eudes Keitirima, they have been asked to comply, lest judgement is given in their absence. The case file has been allocated to Justice Elizabeth Musoke. However, a hearing date is yet to be fixed.