CSOs petition government on workers' welfare

The Foundation for Human Rights Initiative wants government to restructure rules and guidelines regarding workers' treatment at workplaces to protect them from torture and harassment by their bosses.

 

Livingston Ssewanyana, the executive director Foundation For Human Rights Initiatives while interacting with one Jamila  Opondo,  the former employee of AYA Group of Companies who is said to have been abused sexually by her employer Mohammed Hamid, asked police and judges to stop covering up the sexual harassment allegations against the AYA proprietor because of his financial status.

 

Ssewanyana said that Opondo has tried to lobby for legal support from police but she was not helped until the civil society swung into action.

 

"There must be a certain degree of respect between the employer and the employee that when there're are violations and abuses that take place, the state must move in and prosecute those who are in breach of the law," said Ssewanyana

 

Opondo said that ever since she began on the legal course of achieving justice, her life has been threatened.

 

"Two weeks after I had joined AYA Group of Companies, my boss started making his advances towards me, calling me in his office late hours, keeping me around till 9:00. And then, the next thing he would just pull you by your breast and close the office, of course certain times I would run out and resist," said Opondo.

 

Former Minister of Ethics and Integrity, Miria Matembe has also appealed to the government and all authorities to avoid using diversionary means to shield AYA investors from cases of sexual harassment.

 

"Fellow Ugandans rise up, yes investment but if it is at the cost and dehumanisation, torture and brutalisation of our people, wouldn't you rather remain poor," Matembe said.