By Sarah Kibisi.
Netherlands Embassy has recognized Mr Richard Bigirwa’s and Mr Musa Okello as the new leadership that will steer National Organization of Trade Unions (NOTU).
While officiating at the graduation of 13 graduands who trained in Executive Leadership Program on Sustainability and Alliance Building (ELSA), the Deputy Head of Mission at Netherlands embassy Mr. Joost van Ettro pledged total support in working with the new team to support NOTU.
“I want to congratulate the graduands for this achievement and pledge to continue partnering with NOTU because the skills they have learnt will impact on the trade unions and NOTU as a whole,” he said said.
The Executive Leadership on Sustainability and Alliance Building program was a two-year course. The number of students registered were 35 but due to circumstances beyond their control that included Covid-19 pandemic, the number dropped to 13 who completed the course. The program was funded by the Netherlands FNV in partnership with NOTU.
NOTU’s Secretary General, Mr Richard Bigirwa commended the mission for supporting NOTU through skilling the members because the knowledge acquired is key to NOTU’s development since Uganda is engulfed with several challenges from unemployment, poverty among others.
“As workers we have to sometimes compromise so that workers earn as employment is a priority. Population growth is not matching with workers and there is need to build synergies to ensure workers’ issues are handled at a very low rate,” he said.
The Secretary General allayed fears of the workers that the new team is not more passionate about workers. ” We are committed to workers concerns amd we shall deliver to the workers expectations.” he said..
“We need a multiplier effect to utilize our potential. You will see a lot of success together with the affiliates. We may not move mountains but as the new leadership we promise to make the labour movement in Uganda more visible in articulating real issues affecting workers,” He said..
NOTU Acting Chairman General, Mr Musa Okello emphasized that workers are in a society which is dynamic and and a pride for trade unions. “Worldwide our numbers are reducing, we have to be more innovative and today’s graduation will surely help us achieve projected goals.
He said: “We are members from different camps but for the sake of NOTU, we decided to come and join hands to support the federation,”.
Workers Member of parliament Charles Bakkabulindi called on graduands to be real models in making use of skills acquired to transform the volatile labour fraternity.that is facing massive impediments.
Workers MP Hon. Arinaitwe Rwakajara applauded FNV for uplifting higher NOTU leaders off from his – run Labour Colleague of East African to broader international scope
The Female Workers MP, Hon. Agnes Kunihiria requested FNV to conduct more courses since the labour fraternity has many young workers in need for leadership training.
NOTU Acting Deputy Treasurer General Ms Barbara Bandaru said ELSA has helped students broaden scope, them build relationships and improve mental health and leadership skills.
Graduads received certificates and a symbolic ELSA modules cake was served as dinner and dance party ensued ■
