A guilty Chinese national operating Sunbelt industries in Namanve, Kampala shocked his staff when he blocked a minister from inspecting his factory without prior notice.
The Chinese(names withheld) was briefly arrested at Namave police station on orders of the Gender, Labour and Social Development Minister, Betty Among for blantantly denying her access to his business.
Among was on a routine inspection of the working conditions in factories within Mbalala and Namanve industrial parks in Mukono district on Wednesday.
However, when she approached Sunbelt industries, the Chinese national blocked the minister from accessing some sections of the factory, saying she didn’t have an invitation, prompting his arrest.
Among later discovered that workers at the factory were operating in poor working conditions and lacked access to decent sanitary facilities. According to the Minister, the workers lacked protective gears like headgear, gloves and boots while operating heavy heat and sound machines which can damage ears among others.
Among also realized that some workers are compelled to either use a pit latrine filled to capacity that emits heavy stench or polythene bags. She further stated that the factory verandah is littered with stagnant dirty water.
In addition to the above, the Minister noted from staff that they are working without contracts, a situation that places them at risk for treatment and compensation in case of injuries.
Some of the staff who spoke on condition of anonymity claim they are physically assaulted by their bosses whenever mistakes are made or when they complain of poor pay.
Among while inspecting other companies says most of them have obliged to the legal requirements although others still have discrepancies in terms of offering contracts to workers, poor working conditions and
She notes that her ministry will first engage the investors on the legal requirements before penalties, including closure are enforced.
“All the legal and necessary requirements that a worker must have is adhered to by all the companies,We have notified them on contracts and will engage them in a cooperative manner to let them understand before we have enforcement mechanisms or penalties , some penalties include closure,” he says
