UGACOF signs partnership with farmers Union

The Uganda Coffee (UGACOF) has entered into a partnership with the Uganda Farm and Agro Based Workers Union to harmonise the working relation of the employers and employees of the company.

During the ceremony which took place at the UGACOF, offices in Bweyogerere, the workers Member of Parliament (MP), Charles Bakkabulindi called upon employees of UGACOF to know their rights during their time in the work place.

Bakkabulindi said that since coffee is an important cash crop for the country's economy, there is need to come up with this partnership in order to ensure that workers union is put in place for them to fight for their rights.

The Uganda Farm and Agro Based Union organizes and defend the interests of all workers in the agricultural sector. The National Chairperson Uganda Farm and Argo Based Workers' Union, Olive Gidudu said the workers will no longer be at the mercy of the employee, adding that they will be protected by the union.

"We as a union, we want to harmonize, encourage and aid employers. We become the voice of the workers once they become our members," Gigugu explained.  
                                                                                   
In the agreement, the workers will also be able to make decisions and formulate policies as partners of government.  UGACOF has about 100 employees and about 250 causal workers at the Bweyogerere based factory.

The Chief Operation Officer UGACOF, Michael Nuwagaba, expressed his appreciation to the introduction of the Railway Standard Gauge, saying that their exports will take less time to reach port Mombasa, he said that before they have been experiencing delays on the road.

Nuwagaba said that it will cost the company less money adding that it will be safer for the crop saying that they have been faced with delays on the road and accidents.