This is part of an action plan from a meeting held in Kampala in August 2015, where union leaders committed themselves to playing their part in dealing with workers’ issues amidst the blatant violations of labour and trade union rights along the corridor. The delegation led by ACPLRWA president, Narcisse Tuzinde, presented key concerns such as the lack of written employment contracts, prejudicial treatment by employers and excessive interference and harassment by the police, especially in Kenya.
In response, the Rwandan ministry in charge of EAC affairs assured officials from the ACPLRWA that the ministry will work closely with the union to find sustainable solutions to problems. He requested the ACPLRWA to provide him with concise information about the problems truckers in Rwanda face and promised to take up EAC-level issues. The permanent secretary, Emmanuel Hategeka, further proposed that the union meets with his ministry again, so as to develop a strategic plan.
ITF Africa regional secretary, Joseph Katende said: “EAC heads of state, attach great importance to the free movement of goods and persons, as manifested in the institutions that handle EAC northern corridor affairs, in which each government has significant representation. It is therefore imperative that the technical people in these institutions prioritise workers’ issues if the EAC integration programme were to be achieved without surmountable hurdles. Rwanda has reconfirmed its position at the top of the African continent in responding to peoples’ needs, and we are hopeful that other governments in the EAC will follow suit.”
He added that the steps the ACPLRWA has taken are very proactive and expressed his gratitude to the Rwandan ministry for its exemplary service and professionalism.
