Business 18 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Igara Tea Factory Grounded by Workers' Strike Over Four Months' Unpaid Wages
Hundreds of workers at Igara Growers Tea Factory in Bushenyi District have halted operations since Monday, protesting four months of unpaid salaries amid claims of mismanagement and massive debts. Local leaders demand urgent action from factory management to avert a collapse in the Ankole tea supply chain. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/workers-strike-paralyses-igara-factory-operations-5387998
Operations at the historic Igara Growers Tea Factory Limited in Bushenyi District have come to a standstill as hundreds of employees launched a sit-down strike on Monday. The workers accuse management of withholding salaries since November last year, leaving many facing eviction and unable to afford school fees for their children.
Employee Joseph Barugahare highlighted the desperation, stating that landlords have evicted them and banks are seizing property while tea continues to be loaded for sale without wage payments. The factory, a key player in the Ankole Sub-region’s tea industry since the 1970s, now risks disrupting the local supply chain.
Paddy Twesigomwe, tea sector trade secretary, disclosed that the factory has not remitted National Social Security Fund contributions since 2022, accumulating over Shs1.6 billion in arrears. He issued a 14-day ultimatum to management and the board for a payment plan.
Bushenyi District labour officer Loyce Atukwasa called the situation a violation of employment laws and urged a high-level meeting with the board within two weeks, noting no green leaf is currently being processed. General Manager Robert Ayebare and Board Chairman Samuel Muhereza declined to comment.
Workers expressed frustration with local leaders, vowing electoral repercussions in 2031. Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi, a former director, deflected responsibility, advising workers to resolve issues with factory leaders.
Shareholder Julius Mutahunga pointed to declining green leaf intake—from 210,000 kgs daily—and alleged mismanagement of sales revenue amid heavy debts, calling for new machinery even after salary resolution.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)