Parliament has learned that the managers of Suuma Construction Company are forcing Ugandans working at the construction of Hoima Stadium to test for HIV, and those found HIV positive have been relieved of their duties.
The revelation was made by Hoima West MP, Joseph Ruyonga, who asked the government to investigate this matter and punish the people responsible for this cruel and discriminatory practice, which he says further entrenches the stigma around HIV/AIDS in Uganda. He made the appeal during yesterday’s plenary sitting.
He said, “Casual laborers working in some departments in Suuma Construction Company are being subjected to involuntary HIV testing without informed consent, and those who have been found positive have been terminated. The act of discrimination driven by ignorance and stigma surrounding HIV underscores the broader systemic issue with some companies operating in Uganda. It is both illegal and unethical to dismiss an individual based on their HIV status. The treatment of terminated employees based on their HIV status not only violated their dignity but also contradicts Uganda Labour laws and international human rights.”
Ruyonga also called on the government to ensure the immediate reinstatement and compensation of staff who have been terminated, based on their HIV status, and ensure that all companies operating in Uganda adapt and implement comprehensive HIV workplace policies.
“All companies and employers should be required to conduct regular training and implement programs for employees to eliminate stigma and promote understanding of HIV and should emphasize the rights of workers living with HIV and the legal consequences of violating these rights. We call upon the government through the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development to investigate some of these companies and ensure they comply with Uganda Labour laws. This happened in Hoima; I couldn’t mention the staff who were terminated because I never got written consent from them,” added Ruyonga.
Joyce Moriku, Minister of State for Primary Education, described the development as sad and promised to ensure that the Ministry of Education and Sports investigates the matter and appropriate action is taken against the culprits.
“It is so sad to hear that there is compulsory testing for HIV for the workers who have been recruited to support the construction work and they have been dismissed, those who are HIV positive. This is against the labor laws, and if it is true, permit that the Ministry follows this case closely, and then we take action, and probably we give you feedback where necessary,” said Dr. Moriku.
