Lack of Jobs Failed Minimum Wage

The fact that the president issued warnings to the striking medical officers has exhibited a clear picture that a Ugandan worker still has a long way to go to find a befitting wage. It’s not news that the working conditions in Uganda remain in a sorry state. In some companies, getting pregnant could cost you a job, workers do not have appointment letters and generally, job insecurity is high and employers are comforted by the fact that there are many employees who are desperately looking for something to do.

The president, while addressing supporters at Karambi sub-country in Burahya county, Kabarole district, warned that he would fire all striking doctors. I o not think the government is too poor not to afford a salary increment for the medical officers, but my concern is more with the rhetoric being used. How shall the small-time investors take our labour force seriously, if the president is at public functions issuing threats that go against the protection of the labour force?

We can hire all the junior doctors with no experience or guidance and supervision of a senior doctor as we possibly can, but please note that sooner than later, this doctor will also demand a pay rise. Then we shall be back to square one in an un-endless rat race. It derails the would-be doctors and other specialists hence fleeing to other countries for greener pastures. Perhaps it would be the same doctors treating these MPs and other VIPs who take the money to Nairobi and India.

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