RVR workers quiz new managers

Sep 16, 2008

The Ugandan workers of the Rift Valley Railways (RVR) on Thursday asked their new directors to explain the management of their Provident Fund.

By Chris Kiwawulo

The Ugandan workers of the Rift Valley Railways (RVR) on Thursday asked their new directors to explain the management of their Provident Fund.

The workers, through their union general secretary, Samuel Wuma, told the RVR top managers that workers did not know the fate of their money since they were left out of its management.

“RVR and another company, Forbes, entered into an agreement to manage the workers’ Provident Fund without the consent of the workers,” Wuma said.

This was during a meeting between the RVR new management and the company workers at Nalukolongo Railways workshop in Kampala.

Wuma explained that the workers contribute 7% of their monthly salary to the fund, while the company contributed 3%.

Upon retirement, Wuma said 9.6% of the money is used to pay workers’ terminal benefits, while 0.4% catered for medical insurance.

There are about 600 permanent staff members and 300 casual employees working with the company.

In 2006, RVR took over the management of Uganda and Kenya Railways corporations in a $30m deal.

“The workers are worried that the lack of financial discipline, which led to the reckless capital investment decisions that has engulfed the National Social Security Fund, could affect their money,” Wuma said.

The workers, however, commended the company for appointing Charles Mbiire as a company board member.

“We hope that the appointment of Mr. Mbiire will balance the situation and pave way for the appointment of more Ugandans to some of the top managerial positions,” Wuma stated.

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