By Our Reporter.
Female Workers Member of Parliament Hon Agnes Kunihira Abwooli, “ Omu Bwati” on December 19, 2022 launched a historic Workers Centre of Excellence at Kigowa, Nakawa West in Kampala.The four – storied building, the first of its kind for workers in Uganda , will serve as “ Workers House, a resource centre for training, advocacy, entrepreneurship, projects planning Organising and recruitment, recreational centre that will provide space for unions.Trade union leaders and workers representing National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) and Central Organisation of Free Trade Unions, Federation of Employers, government officials and Members of Parliament graced the occasion.Hon Kunihira said the project is part and parcel of the items enshrined in her election campaign manifesto for 2021 – 2026 term , and assured workers that she would walk the talk on all her promises .“ When I was campaigning during the 2016 elections I promised labour unions brand new desktop computers with latest printers and I delivered the items. I promised women leaders skills training on various initiatives under entrepreneurship and I fulfilled my promises,” she said.Hon Kunihira is covered by the latest Africa Leadership Institute report as one of the best legislators in the 10th Parliament.She said the main objective of the centre is to empower women, and young workers through entrepreneurship projects, facilitate organizing and recruitment activities , provide capacity building and training with a fully – fledged information and research centre..Kagadi District Member of Parliament Hon Jennifer Kyomuhendo Mbabazi who was Chief Guest applauded Hon Kunihira for the big project for workers. ” Iam glad to associate with Hon Kunihira as she strives to offer workers effective service delivery,” She said.Hon Kyomuhendo pledged total support from Parliament on matters pertaining to defending and promoting worker’s rights.For the first time in the history of the labour fraternity in the country labour unions will have a chance to secure office space to conduct day – to – day operations.Newly elected NOTU Secretary General Mr Richard Bigirwa applauded Hon Kunihira for being a legislator of action in all her development programs.“As a Labour centre and workers we shall endeavor to work with the centre in pursuit of development programs that empower, defend and promote workers’ rights,” he said.Mr Bigirwa said affiliates have been fighting over administrative supremacy, but added that they have since resolved to stop all fights and dialogue on the federations future.Outgoing NOTU Secretary General Hon Peter Werikhe Christopher told the congregation that Hon Kunihira has put up a project which her colleagues failed to establish over a long time.“ We shall learn and accept to appreciate and applaud achievers,” he said. When I became the first NOTU Secretary General to secure a permanent home detractors fought me. Today Hon Kunihira has put up a magnificent project for workers,” he said. NOTU Chairman General Mr Usher Wilson Owere congratulated Hon Kunihira for the achievement, adding that the centre would provide all support required to succeed.“The project has come after affiliates have agreed to stop wrangles and dialogue. We shall make use of the Centre for Workers,” he said.COFTU Chairman General, Mr John Oketcho said the project initiated by Hon. Agnes Kunihira is what our long serving legislators should have put up 20 years ago. He said:” COFTU will work with the Centre on projects that promote the labour fratnernity,” he added.Hon Agnes Kunihira is serving her second term in office after getting elected in 2016 and in less than two terms in Parliament, she has delivered far beyond workers’ expectations. The achievements since entering parliament among the many include the Employment Amendment Bill, 2019 that she presented as a Private Members’ bill, spearheaded process of amending labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement Amendment Bill, 2019. She promoted the Anti – Slavery Bill, 2018, advocated and worked with colleagues on the NSSF Amendment Bill 2019, capacity building for Labour unions, empowering trade union leaders, Women entrepreneurship projects, sensitization and training of leaders, empowering women. ■
