President Museveni was speaking at the national celebrations to mark International Labour Day held at St. Paul Secondary School “Mutolere in Kisoro district on Friday. The celebrations were held under the theme “Accelerating social, economic transformation through promotion of the decent work agenda, social justice and equity.”
President Yoweri Museveni has called for patience among civil servants demanding for salary increments.
The call was made in relation to continuous demands for better remuneration by civil servants among others teachers, medical workers and lecturers in public institutions. The demands are often met with government pledges, some of which remain unfulfilled.
The government acknowledges the need for better salaries. However, ensuring peace and having infrastructure in place have been given the first priority to ease movement within the country and connecting to the neighboring countries.
An example of Kigezi region where the government has plans to ensure easy access to the tourist destinations and connecting the Districts of Kanungu and Rukungiri to the Democratic Republic of Congo with an all-weather road. He however, called for the commercialization of Agriculture which he says has been the greatest challenge for the Kigezi region.
This will be in addition to a road that connects the district of Kisoro and Kanungu to ease connectivity between Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable forest and Mughahinga National park.
The president says government intends to engage trade unions to come to a common understanding to the salary structure.
The President isoptimistic that the move to embrace tea growing will go a long way in ensuring improved household income. He says, “many people have been asleep for long and are now beginning to wake up.”
The President awarded medals to Ugandans who have made tremendous contributions in Job creation as well as serving the Nation in different Positions.
Some of those who received medals at the Celebrations include Rt. Rev Bishop Callist Rubaramira the Bishop of Kabale Catholic Diocese, Rev Fr John Bazimenyera the Parish Priest of Mutolere in Kisoro.
Others are Bishop Cranmer Mugisha of Muhabura Diocese, John Bavuga a former head teacher at Mutolere Secondary School, The late Justice Mulenga, and kampala based businessmen Tom Mugenga and Augustus Caesar Mulenga.
Health workers who participated in the fight against the Ebola Virus were also awarded with medals.