Bushenyi Civil Servants Strike Over Assault Claims Against Councillor

Administrative services in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipal Council ground to a halt on Tuesday as civil servants launched a sit-down strike. The action stemmed from accusations of political harassment and physical attacks on technical staff by local leaders.

Hundreds of residents were left without services after the protest began. Staff claimed Ntungamo Ward councillor Edwin Karugaba drove his vehicle towards three municipal workers during a recent operation, seriously injuring one.

Shallon Bakirira, the Municipal Human Resource Officer, voiced the workers’ demands for justice and respect while performing field duties. She cautioned that ongoing interference might lead to staff pulling out of such operations entirely.

Ronald Rwatagu, Senior Community Development Officer, slammed the police for failing to act despite a report filed a month ago. He noted the councillor only gave a statement and walked free, despite the severity of the alleged offence.

Technical officers, including Senior Health Inspector Julius Byamukama, expressed frustration over leaders’ silence, warning it demoralizes staff and risks public backlash against them.

Attempts to mediate faltered as Town Clerk Robert Nuwamanya sought more time after a security meeting. Police Station OC Peter Azora called for calm and discouraged marches to the RDC’s office.

By afternoon, offices stayed shut, with workers refusing to return until the councillor faces action and leaders denounce the harassment.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)