Summa Company under scrutiny over forcing workers to test for HIV/AIDS and dismissing those infected

The Turkish Company, Summa Construction Company charged with the construction of Hoima Stadium meant to host AFCON 2027 has been subjected to investigations over  forcing workers to test for HIV/AIDs and those found HIV-positive have been dismissed from their duties.
The revelation was made by Joseph Ruyonga (Hoima West) who asked the Government to investigate the allegations and punish the people responsible for this cruel and discriminatory practice, saying that such practices further entrench the stigma around HIV/AIDs in Uganda. He made the appeal during yesterday’s plenary sitting.
“Casual labourers working in some departments in Suuma Company are being subjected to involuntary HIV testing without informed consent and those who have been found positive, have been terminated. The act of discrimination driven by ignorance and stigma surrounding HIV underscores the broader systemic issue with some companies operating in Uganda. It is both illegal and unethical to dismiss an individual based on their HIV status,” explained Ruyonga.
“The treatment of terminated employees based on their HIV status not only violated their dignity but also contradicts Uganda Labour laws and international human rights,” added Ruyonga.
Ruyonga also called on the Government to ensure the immediate reinstatement and compensation of staff that have been terminated, based on their HIV status and ensure that all companies operating in Uganda adapt and implement comprehensive HIV workplace policies.
“All companies and employers should be required to conduct regular training and implement programmes for employees to eliminate stigma and promote understanding of HIV and should emphasize the rights of workers living with HIV and the legal consequences of violating these rights,” he added.
He called upon the Government through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to investigate some of these companies and ensure they comply with Uganda Labour laws. Noting, “This happened in Hoima, I couldn’t mention the staff who were terminated because I never got written consent from them.”
However, Dr. Joyce Moriku, Minister of State for Primary Education described the development as sad and promised to ensure that the Ministry of Education and Sports investigates the allegations and takes appropriate action against the culprits.
“It is so sad to hear that there is compulsory testing for HIV for the workers who have been recruited to support the construction work and they have dismissed those who are HIV positive. This is against the labour laws and if it is true, permit that the Ministry follows this case closely and then we take action, and probably we will give you feedback where necessary,” said Dr. Moriku.