The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
JINJA, UGANDA | THE INDEPENDENT | Seventeen employees of Madhvani Sugar Works are in police custody following a violent strike at the Karatine Camp in Kakira, Jinja District, on Friday, April 5. The workers, some armed with machetes, staged the strike in protest against alleged underpayment and poor working conditions.
The protest quickly escalated into a riot, resulting in widespread damage to property. Items destroyed included water tanks, motorcycles, bicycles, savings boxes, tables, and crops. The situation posed a serious threat to public safety, prompting the Regional Police Commander for Kiira Region, SSP Charles Nsaba, to deploy a specialized crowd control unit.
Police swiftly moved in and restored calm in Kakira Town Council within minutes. Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson, SP James Mubi, confirmed the arrests and said a peaceful conflict resolution process has been initiated. He noted that all stakeholders are now involved in finding a lasting solution to the workers’ grievances.
Attempts to get a comment from Madhvani Sugar Works management were unsuccessful, as all officials approached declined to speak on the matter. The seventeen suspects are facing charges of malicious damage to property, assault, and participating in an unlawful demonstration. Police say additional arrests are likely as investigations continue.
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