By Katabalwa Charles
Kampala
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has urged the government to either increase the budget for casual workers or suspend their contracts. This decision comes after numerous complaints from casual workers who have not received their salary of 150,000 for the past six months. The blame is placed on President Museveni’s directive to allow over 8000 casual workers to continue working without adequate funding, as the current budget can only support around 4000 workers.
In 2021, KCCA invited bids for groups to provide cleaning services such as street sweeping, maintaining green spaces, and desilting drainage systems in the city. Deputy Speaker Nasuru Masaba addressed the issue at City Hall in Kampala, highlighting the challenges faced by both the Authority and the workers due to limited funds for casual workers.
Masaba mentioned that some workers have resorted to sleeping under makeshift shelters at City Hall or seeking refuge in the homes of others after being evicted by landlords. The councilors at City Hall have given a two-week ultimatum to the city executive committee, led by Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, to provide a report on the nonpayment of casual workers.
Secretary for Finance and Urban Planning John Mary Ssebuufu explained the delay in submitting the report, citing a directive from Minister for Kampala Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, who stated that President Museveni ordered all casual workers to remain at their workplace.
During a council session chaired by Deputy Speaker Nasuru Masaba, some councilors accused KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka of obstructing efforts to ensure that casual workers, including those in the 7hills group and under Saccos, receive their pay. LC5 Councilor Nalubega Fausta Bitaano from Makindye West 2 called on labor unions to intervene in resolving the issue of nonpayment of casual workers.
