By Frank Kamuntu
The staff of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) have rejected the UGX 46 billion compensation package offered by the government following the planned abolition of the Authority. Instead, they are demanding UGX 196 billion, describing the government’s offer as insufficient.
UNRA Executive Director, Allen Kagina, raised the issue during her recent appearance before Parliament’s Physical Infrastructure Committee. She expressed frustration, questioning how the Ministry of Public Service arrived at the UGX 46.443 billion figure without consulting the staff, as required by the Employment Act.
“I am in pain hearing about UGX 46 billion, because I don’t know how it was arrived at when the law clearly mandates negotiation between the employer and employee. This is a very serious matter, and we, as leaders, need to know what we’re promising staff when their jobs end,” Kagina stated.
Kagina’s concerns followed a submission by Minister of Public Service Muruli Mukasa, who, during the committee’s scrutiny of the Uganda National Roads Authority Amendment Bill 2024, explained that the government sought to repeal UNRA and integrate its functions into the Ministry of Works and Transport. Muruli revealed that the compensation figure was based on calculations and meetings with stakeholders, which concluded with the UGX 46 billion figure for the affected 1,577 staff members.
However, Kagina countered this, arguing that UNRA’s Board had calculated the severance package to be UGX 196 billion, based on the assumption that UNRA would cease operations by December 2024. She noted that the Board’s figure had been transmitted to the Ministry of Works and Transport for consideration.
Minister of State for Works, Musa Ecweru, defended the Ministry of Public Service’s lower figure, stating that it was within their mandate to calculate payments for public servants. Ecweru explained, “The UGX 196 billion was an initial projection, but the Ministry of Public Service’s technical team arrived at the UGX 46 billion figure.”
Parliamentarians, including Kazo County MP Dan Kimosho, challenged the government’s stance, questioning the disparity between the figures and the lack of transparency. Minister Muruli defended the government’s methodology, citing the use of human resource manuals and the Compensation Act to determine the payout.
Kagina further pointed out that the Attorney General’s opinion on the severance package had been disregarded. She explained that the Attorney General had recommended including UNRA’s proposed severance package in the Certificate of Financial Implication, pending further interpretation.
In a heartfelt appeal, Kagina asked Parliament to ensure a smooth transition period for the handover of UNRA’s projects, worth UGX 9 trillion. She emphasized the importance of a clear process to avoid disruption as the authority transfers its responsibilities to the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Minister Muruli defended the decision to abolish UNRA, stating that the move would save costs by eliminating the UNRA Board and reducing the number of staff. He dismissed concerns that the abolition would lead to the withdrawal of international funding, pointing to existing funding challenges related to other issues, such as the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality law.
The committee also uncovered discrepancies in the financial certificates presented, with varying figures for the cost implications of abolishing UNRA, ranging from UGX 11 billion to UGX 196 billion. Nwoya County MP Tony Awany, Vice Chairperson of the committee, called for negotiations between the government and UNRA staff to resolve the issue and ensure fair severance packages.
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