By Hannah Marion Namukasa
The Jinja district senior labour officer Walusimbi Andrew has sent the last summons to the Managing Director of Kiira FM radio 88.6 Abura David requiring him to explain himself on allegations of nonpayment of salaries and other benefits to their laid off staff without fail.
According to the letter seen by this website, the managing director Abura David has always been snubbing the summons however, this time he has been ordered to appear before the labour offices not later than 14th, April 2021.
Abura was warned that his actions amount to obstruction as provided for in section 15(a) and (b) of the employment act 2006 and is a criminal offense in section 16(2) of the same act.
“You are urged to take note of the said provisions of the law and immediately take necessary steps to ensure that this office is furnished with your response without further delay as soon as you get this letter in any case not letter than 14th April 2021” reads Walusimbi’s letter in parts
Over 20 Jinja city based 88.6 Kiira FM staffs filed a complaint with the area labor office over uncleared four years arrears and unpaid NSSF.
Their complaint came at a time when the station management notified the same office over their forthcoming restructuring which they hadn’t communicated to the staffs. This raised more dust and added salt to the injury.
The affected journalists include; Kanyere Hakim, Mwagale Ali, Lubega Ivan, Mande Amuza, Magoola Geoffrey, Buyinza Ronald,Bambi Shamiru, Lukakamwa David, Mulungi Haruna, Mubugumya Shaminah, Mulumba Ben, Seremba Fred Naluswa and Mayengo Geoffrey. These claim over 400M in arrears.
Last month, the Jinja labour office summoned the head of the Lutheran Church in Uganda Bishop Charles Isabirye Bameka who happens to be the resident director of Kiira Fm.
Others who were summoned include Dhizaala Sanon Moses and Abura David Managing Director.
Media exploitation has been highlighted in several Media reports as one of the key challenges being faced by journalists.
