By Our Reporter.
National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) affiliates on January 9, 2023 convened General Council which endorsed new leaders and also suspended the federations Chairman General Mr Usher Wilson Owere.
Acting Chairman General Mr Musa Okello said they are not in the culture of pursuing one another over mistakes made in administration.
“Go home rest assured that your brothers and sisters are in charge and there should be no cause for alarm”, he told outgoing NOTU Secretary General Hon Peter Werikhe..
He said that since both parties had agreed on cessation of hostilities, reconciliation and forgiveness it is now time to walk the talk on uniting workers for positive developments.
Acting Secretary General Mr Richard Bigirwa noted with appreciation cessation of hostilities by two warring parties that enabled reconciliation and unity of NOTU affiliates in agreeing to work together in resolving issues at hand.
He said: “ Let us bury our differences, forgive each other and work for unity of all affiliates. We have many issues that revolve around reforms in NOTU especially on constitutional amendments.”
Mr Bigirwa expressed appreciation to Workers Members of Parliament for working tirelessly in ensuring peace and tranquility prevails in the labour fraternity.
The Bottlers Union General Secretary said there are many workers in the Middle East suffering after their rights were violated and who need urgent help from Labour unions after the federation has been revamped.
“ We shall set up a constitutional review committee, revamp the federation and strengthen capacity for training, organizing and recruitment,” he said.
Acting Treasurer General Mr Moses Mauku said he brings vast knowledge in financial management to the federation but hastened to add with cooperation from affiliates would move NOTU to greater heights.
“ I seek for support from all affiliates as we move the federation on course to revival and progression in pursuit of defending and promoting workers’ rights,” he said.
Deputy Treasurer General Ms Barbara Bandaru appealed to affiliates to walk the talk on matters pertaining to reconciliation, forgiveness and unity in serving members.
Workers MP Hon. Arinaitwe Katambuka Rwakajara said affiliates who have been attacking, maligning and character assassinating each other should stop and promote peace and unity.
He said:” There were six attempts in 14 years to overthrow the Chairman General through “coup de tats”.
He castigated General Secretaries for presenting non – members during their congresses disguising as legitimate when 40 percent are quacks or Bacuba. “ It is unacceptable to present quack members and brag that you are a serious General Secretary,” he said.
Workers MP Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi advised trade union leaders to desist from advancing selfish interests and instead prioritize recruiting members and addressing violation of workers’ rights at workplaces.
“ The strength of any organization including labour unions is in numerical numbers. Let us recruit members and negotiate with employers welfare and improve working conditions for workers,” he said.
He rebuked detractors in the labour fraternity that include former Workers MP Hon. Dr Sam Lyomoki who have waged “war” on unions with a petition in the Constitutional court to transform non – unionized category as electoral college for Workers MPS.
“How can Dr Lyomoki who has been elected to Parliament for over two decades on unionized ticket turn around now and embrace non – unionized after the voters rejected him?,” he asked■
