By John Kusolo
Kampala, Uganda – The city is currently facing a significant issue regarding the payment of its casual workers. Nasur Masaba, the Deputy Speaker of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), has made an urgent appeal to authorities, urging them to refrain from politicizing the lives of these essential workers. His remarks follow the concerning delays and inconsistencies in the payment of wages to casual workers who maintain the city’s cleanliness and functionality.
Background
Initially, the KCCA allocated nearly 17 billion Uganda Shillings to pay its casual workforce. However, many workers have reported going over five months without receiving their salaries. This situation prompted an intervention from the Ugandan Parliament, which approved a supplementary budget of 12 billion Shillings specifically aimed at clearing the outstanding wages.
Despite this financial provision, several workers in different divisions of Kampala, particularly the elderly, have yet to receive their payments. Various technical issues, such as inconsistencies with signatures, have been cited as the primary reasons for these delays.
The Plight of the Workers
Casual workers in Kampala earn a meagre monthly salary of 150,000 Shillings, an amount that barely meets the basic cost of living. The delay in payments has exacerbated their financial struggles, leaving many unable to afford essential needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. The situation is particularly dire for elderly workers who are often less capable of finding alternative sources of income.
*Deputy Speaker’s Appeal*
Deputy Speaker Nasur Masaba has voiced his concerns about the ongoing delays and the broader implications of such neglect. In his statement, he emphasized the need for immediate and decisive action to ensure that all workers receive their due payments.
"Playing politics with people’s lives, especially those who are already struggling to make ends meet, is unacceptable," Masaba asserted. He called for a thorough review of the payment processes and the removal of any bureaucratic hurdles preventing the timely disbursement of wages.
Masaba also highlighted the psychological and emotional toll that these delays have on the workers, who have been facing uncertainty and financial instability for months. He stressed that resolving these payment issues is not only a matter of financial justice but also of human dignity.
*Technical Issues and Solutions*
The KCCA has acknowledged the technical issues that have hampered the payment process. Inconsistent signatures and other bureaucratic problems have been identified as key obstacles. To address these issues, Masaba suggests implementing a more robust and streamlined verification system. This could include the use of biometric data or digital signatures to ensure consistency and prevent future delays.
Moreover, he proposes setting up a dedicated task force within the KCCA to oversee the payment process, ensuring transparency and accountability. This task force would be responsible for regular updates and communications with the workers, providing them with clear timelines and addressing any concerns promptly.
*Moving Forward*
The plight of Kampala’s casual workers is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and action. Ensuring that these workers receive their due payments is not just a financial necessity but a moral obligation. The KCCA, with support from Parliament, must prioritize the resolution of these payment delays and work towards a fair and efficient system that upholds the rights and dignity of all workers.
As Nasur Masaba aptly put it, it is time to stop playing politics with people’s lives and start taking concrete steps to support and uplift the hardworking individuals who keep Kampala running smoothly. By addressing the current challenges head-on and implementing effective solutions, the city can ensure a more just and equitable future for all its workers.
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