By Frank KamuntuÂ
The Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has called upon Ugandan factory workers to actively embrace government empowerment programs as a pathway to financial independence and sustainable livelihoods.
Hajjat Namyalo made the appeal during her courtesy visits to Dembe Trading Enterprises Ltd, Wilma International Ltd, and Ledon Sunshine Lighting Co. Ltd in Mukono District, where she held interactive sessions with hundreds of employees and management representatives on improving workers’ welfare and participation in wealth creation initiatives.
The visits were coordinated by Hon. Ronald Kibuule, Mukono North NRM Flag Bearer, alongside Ssalongo Mutiibwa Dickson Nkajja, LC III Chairperson of Nama Subcounty, and Wamala John Baptist, ONC Coordinator for Mukono Municipality.
At Dembe Trading Enterprises Ltd, one of East Africa’s largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distributors, Hajjat Namyalo was received by Mr. Simon Luvunya, Chief of Operations, and Mr. Ahmed Khamis, Human Resource Manager. The company represents several top local and international brands, including Ubisco Biscuits, Kreamy Biscuits, Snowman Ice Cream, and Farmers Choice Products.
Mr. Luvunya commended Hajjat Namyalo for her unwavering commitment to advancing President Yoweri Museveni’s wealth creation agenda through empowerment programs that directly target ordinary Ugandans.
“We appreciate Hajjat Namyalo for stepping out of office to interact with the real people on the ground. Her visit has inspired our workers and reassured them that the government genuinely cares about their welfare,” he said.
In her remarks, Hajjat Namyalo applauded Dembe employees for their diligence and resilience despite modest earnings. She encouraged them to form SACCOs to qualify for government support under programs such as the ONC Empowerment Initiative, Parish Development Model (PDM), and Youth Livelihood Program.
“You may earn little today, but by organizing yourselves into SACCOs, you can attract direct government support and gradually work your way out of poverty,” she advised.
At Wilma International Ltd, a factory producing plastic and sewable sacks from recycled materials through environmentally friendly processes, Hajjat Namyalo interacted with over 1,000 workers employed across both day and night shifts — making it one of the sub-county’s largest employers.
Employees raised concerns over their working conditions and remuneration, appealing to Hajjat to champion their cause in future ONC empowerment initiatives.
“We work tirelessly to keep the factory running, but many of us still struggle to meet daily needs. We ask Hajjat to advocate for us so that we can access empowerment support and start small side businesses,” said one employee.
In response, Hajjat Namyalo pledged to present their concerns to the relevant authorities and reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for better labor standards.
“I will engage H.E. Jajja wa’Bazzukulu to push for policies that guarantee improved working conditions and fair pay for factory workers, including support for the long-awaited Minimum Wage Bill, so that you can earn a dignified living,” she assured.
She added, “Our Jajja, H.E. President Yoweri Museveni, entrusted me with the mission of empowering all Bazzukulu to join the money economy. That mission begins right here — with hardworking Ugandans like you.”
Hajjat concluded her field engagements with a visit to Ledon Sunshine Lighting Co. Ltd in Namataba Town Council, where she was warmly welcomed by over 1,000 employees and local leaders. The Chinese-owned company assembles a diverse range of electrical and consumer products, including lighting bulbs, phone chargers, lamp holders, extension cables, electric kettles, fuses, solar street lights, handbags, perfumes, and cosmetics.
Impressed by the company’s operations and locally assembled products, Hajjat lauded its contribution to Uganda’s industrial growth and job creation. However, workers also voiced concerns over low pay, calling for government intervention to ensure fair wages.
“We are grateful to have jobs, but we appeal to the government to ensure that factory workers earn enough to meet their basic needs,” one worker said.
Hajjat Namyalo assured them that their concerns would reach President Museveni directly, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights and promoting inclusive economic growth.
“We cannot talk about national development when those driving the production engine are struggling. I will personally deliver your message to Jajja to ensure that no Ugandan worker is left behind,” she affirmed.
The visits formed part of Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo’s ongoing grassroots mobilization strategy under the Office of the National Chairman, aimed at promoting President Museveni’s wealth creation agenda and strengthening support among Ugandans engaged in the service and production sectors — two of the NRM government’s core pillars for national transformation.
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