Deteriorating work ethics worry NRM deputy secretary general

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National Resistance Movement (NRM) deputy secretary general Rose Namayanja has warned that deteriorating work ethics and integrity could undermine Uganda's economic transformation, calling for stronger values among workers, employers, trade union leaders and public servants.

Speaking to labour leaders on Friday (August 21) at a breakfast meeting at Imperial Royale Kampala, Namayanja said Uganda must deliberately promote a culture of integrity from childhood, citing Singapore as an example of a country that built national values around unity, discipline and commitment to the common good.

She said Singapore's national pledge has become part of the country's national fabric, teaching children that corruption, division and actions that undermine national prosperity are unacceptable.

“Integrity is basically doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching,” Namayanja said, stressing that people's conduct in private and public should reflect the values they claim to uphold.

Namayanja said Uganda's economic strength should not only be measured by the number of factories, jobs and investments, but also by the values with which people work.

She warned that poor work habits can be passed from one generation to another because young people observe the conduct of their parents, employers and leaders.

She cited challenges faced by some factories at Kapeka Industrial Park, where employers struggled with workers who reportedly failed to report for duty after receiving their wages. She said such behaviour affects productivity and forces companies to seek workers from distant parts of the country.

She urged employees to give an honest day's work, employers to prioritise workers' welfare and trade union leaders to put workers' interests ahead of personal interests.

Namayanja also called for unity among labour leaders following the recent election cycle, saying political and union contests should not permanently divide people.

“Difference in opinion is not permanent divisions,” she said, urging labour leaders to use their different strengths to advance a common agenda.

She said the labour movement must increase its representation at lower levels, including villages, parishes and sub-counties, to ensure workers' concerns reach national decision-makers.

Namayanja noted that workers already have representation in Parliament and district local governments, describing this as progress, but said more could be achieved through stronger organisation.

She also encouraged labour leaders to develop a specific initiative for workers to benefit from government programmes instead of simply demanding support given to other groups.

According to Namayanja, the labour movement understands its own challenges better and should therefore develop a programme suited to its structures and needs.

She said national transformation ultimately depends on how Ugandans work, cooperate and uphold integrity.

Namayanja urged labour leaders to make unity, ethical conduct and effective representation priorities, saying the country's future depends not only on government policies and investment but also on the behaviour and commitment of its people.

She added that time lost through division or poor performance cannot be recovered, urging workers and their leaders to use the coming years to strengthen the labour movement and improve the welfare of ordinary workers.

Bishop echoes work ethics concerns

Bishop Joshua Lwere, the founder of Lwere Foundation, said Uganda, in its current state, has poor work ethics and everything seems to be getting out of hand.

“Where you need six Ugandans to work in a hotel, Kenyans only employ one; why? He asked.

He said poor work ethic is the biggest challenge affecting Uganda's progress compared to other countries.

The bishop said the minimum wage is not a problem, but rather the quality of ethics that are not implemented.

On the sidelines, Rodah Ahike, a computer science student at Kyambogo University, said it is a shame to see leaders embezzling funds and the future meant for the youth. She challenged the Government to work on them with an iron hand.