NOTU asks labour officers and workers’ councillors to promote NSSF services

Hoima | The National Social Security Fund (NSSF), in partnership with the National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU), arranged a two-day capacity-building workshop to prepare the new workers’ representatives and labour officers ahead of July, when they will assume office.

Speaking during the workshop held in Hoima City, Richard Bigirwa, the Secretary General of NOTU, emphasised the need for labour officers and workers’ councillors to act as a key to the visibility of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

He called upon both workers’ councillors and the labour officers to act as living examples by contributing to the national GDP through NSSF.

Bigirwa encouraged the need to prioritise workers’ rights, noting that a couple of employees from different workplaces fight internal battles which remain unnoticed.

He also warns the officials against soliciting bribes at the expense of lives.

Agnes Kunihira, a member of the board of directors at NSSF, who also serves as the workers’ representative in the 12th parliament, encouraged labour officials to fully use their mandates to fight for workers’ rights.

“You have a mandate to shape the workers’ interests by participating, including in recruitment processes, bylaws at local levels, budget planning and implementation, among others,” she said.

Kunihira, however, called upon the officials to encourage both employees and employers to register with NSSF for future retirement benefits.

Bruce, the NSSF branch manager in Bulisa district, called on both labour officers and employers to embrace saving for their workforce for future benefits.

“We need to make sure that we fight for a better future for our workers,” he urged.

Some participants, including Rogers Kyakurugaha, CDO representing the senior labour officer, Kakumiro district, asked NOTU to advocate for budget allocations for labour offices.

According to them, their offices lack transport facilitation, attributing it to a lack of funds.

Kiiza Archealis, labour officer for Hoima City, called for collective efforts between all parties, including employees, to fight for their rights.

Bacwa Jackline Tuhaise encouraged employees to always report any form of labour violence instituted against them at their respective workplaces.

Meanwhile, participants agreed to have joint efforts in ensuring a safe and decent working environment for employees.