In a resolute stance, Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has directed the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to promptly address the issue of unpaid arrears owed to its casual workers. The directive follows a dramatic protest on Monday, as a faction of the city’s sanitation workers marched to Parliament, airing their grievances over prolonged non-payment by the authority.

Expressing concern during Wednesday’s plenary session, Speaker Among emphasized the imperative of honoring the laborers’ entitlements, citing Article 40(1) of the Constitution, which mandates equitable remuneration for equal work without prejudice. She underscored the plight of these workers, highlighting the financial strain they endure due to the protracted delay in compensation.

“We cannot overlook the fundamental principle of fair compensation for labor. It is unjustifiable for these workers to go unpaid for extended periods. Their livelihoods and the well-being of their families are at stake,” Speaker Among iterated, calling upon KCCA leadership to expedite the payment process.

The agitation stemmed from claims by some workers that they have been pursuing payment for the past 45 months without success, exacerbating their financial hardships. The situation prompted a demonstration at Parliament, drawing attention to the pressing issue.

In response to concerns raised by MPs, particularly the Presidential Affairs Committee chaired by Richard Sebamala, regarding the deteriorating cleanliness standards in the city, KCCA Executive Director, Dorothy Kisaka, attributed the predicament partly to budgetary constraints. Kisaka elucidated that the meager daily wage of Shs6000 allocated to street cleaners reflects the limited financial resources available to the Authority.

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Kisaka revealed that efforts are underway to streamline the payment process by channeling funds through the workers’ respective Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs). This approach aims to empower the workers to manage their finances collectively within their divisions, thereby fostering autonomy and financial stability.

As the debate ensues within parliamentary chambers, the plight of Kampala’s casual workers underscores broader issues of labor rights and economic justice, demanding urgent action to rectify the prevailing injustices and uphold the dignity of all workers.