By Johnson Kanyesige
Hoima City leadership has called for an investigation into the management of Hoima City Stadium by NLS Company following repeated sit-down strikes by workers over delayed payments.
The city leadership, led by Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Badru Mugabi, says the situation has raised concerns over the management of a facility that cost the Ugandan government USD 129 million and is expected to play a key role in hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Currently, casual workers at the stadium are on strike after allegedly going unpaid for three months. The RCC says this is the sixth time workers have laid down their tools over delayed payments by the management company.
Mugabi said city authorities have repeatedly engaged NLS Company managers over the matter but have not received satisfactory responses.
“We have kept quiet for long, but the situation at Hoima City Stadium is disturbing. We have managed six sit-down strikes so far. Even when the Cabinet was coming, we had a strike, and we only intervened to manage the same issue of delayed payments by NLS Company,” Mugabi said.
Hoima City Mayor Edward Isingoma said the city leadership cannot continue watching workers provide services without receiving their wages.
He raised concerns that some workers at the facility do not have formal contracts and allegedly work under fear of dismissal whenever they demand their rights.
