Dr. Joseph Ruyonga, the MP for Hoima West, on Wednesday revealed shocking news in Parliament, that workers at Hoima Stadium construction site were being forced to undergo HIV/AIDS testing under threat of losing their jobs.
Ruyonga, during a heated session said that workers under M/S SUMMA, a Turkish Company, constructing the stadium ahead of AFCON 2027, who tested positive were not only fired but also subjected to severe stigma.
“This is both unethical and illegal. The staff who have been found [HIV/AIDS] positive have been terminated and stigmatized, it contradicts Uganda labor laws and International human rights standards,” he declared
Minister of State for Education and Sports (Primary Education), Hon. Joyce Moriku, was quick to respond, vowing to launch an inquiry. Moriku expressed her dismay that such practices were being carried out on a government-backed project.
“It is sad to hear that there is compulsory testing of workers who are supporting construction of Hoima Stadium. If these claims are true, it’s a criminal case. My ministry will take action,” she assured
Ruyonga pleaded for government intervention to reinstate and compensate the sacked workers and implement the HIV/AIDS workplace policy.
According to the HIV/AIDs work policy, employees living with HIV/AIDS shall have the same rights and obligations as all other staff members. HIV-positive employees shall be protected against all forms of discrimination based on their HIV-status, victimization or harassment through the application of GTZ disciplinary and grievance procedures.
The policy clearly states that no employee should be forced to reveal their HIV status, either for employment or promotion.
