Govt summons Uchumi bosses over closure

By Vision Reporter

Government has summoned Uchumi supermarket bosses following its closure and exit from Uganda.

In a letter addressed to Uchumi management, the permanent secretary, ministry of gender, labour and social development Pius Bigirimana, notes that his office has received an official complaint from embattled workers of Uchumi supermarket over its closure without fore warning or notification to the workers' union.

Embattled employees of UCHUMI who were forced to go on leave are demanding compensation by UCHUMI. This was at the Employment Service Bureau, KCCA, on 7/10/2015. PHOTO BY JULIET KASIRYE

Over 400 workers are now out on the streets following the closure, rendering them jobless and demanding millions in salary arrears.

Several others, including suppliers, are demanding compensation. Last week court bailiffs, acting on behalf of Ugachick. stormed the supermarket and closed it over sh185m in arrears.

Abrupt closure of Uchumi supermarket in such an unprecedented manner, according to Ugandan law, violates procedural requirement under the Employment Act, under which sections 30, 65 and 81 provide for how workers' rights and entitlements are to be handled in case a business entity fails to continue with operations.