During plenary on Wednesday September 26, Joseph Ruyonga, MP for Hoima West, revealed to Parliament that managers of Suuma Construction Company, the firm overseeing the project, were allegedly forcing workers to undergo HIV tests.
According to the allegations, those found to be HIV-positive were reportedly being dismissed from their jobs.
Ruyonga condemned the discriminatory practice, calling it “cruel and unethical.” He emphasized that such actions perpetuate the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in Uganda and violate both labor laws and international human rights standards.
“It is both illegal and unethical to dismiss an individual based on their HIV status,” Ruyonga asserted. “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.”
The MP demanded that the government investigate the allegations and take immediate action against those responsible.
He also urged for the reinstatement and compensation of the dismissed workers and called for stricter measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“All companies and employers should be required to conduct regular training and implement programs for employees to eliminate stigma and promote understanding of HIV,” Ruyonga stated.
“We call upon Government through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to investigate some of these companies and ensure they comply with Uganda Labour laws.”
In response, Dr. Joyce Moriku, Minister of State for Primary Education, expressed deep concern over the allegations.
She pledged that the Ministry of Education and Sports would conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action against any individuals found to have engaged in discriminatory practices.
“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 dismissed those who are HIV positive,” Dr. Moriku said.
“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,” she added.
Uganda won a bid to host AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania. HOIMA stadium is one of the venues earmarked to host the biggest continental competition.
