Published on 14/10/2025
The Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has called upon Ugandan factory workers to embrace government empowerment programs as a pathway to financial independence and sustainable livelihoods.
Hajjat Namyalo made the appeal during her courtesy visits to Dembe Trading Enterprises Ltd, Wilma International Ltd, and Ledon Sunshine Lighting Co. Ltd in Mukono District, where she engaged with hundreds of employees and management teams on ways to improve workers’ welfare and participation in wealth creation initiatives.
The visits were coordinated by Mukono North NRM Flag Bearer Hon Ronald Kibuule, Ssalongo Mutiibwa Dickson Nkajja, the LC3 Chairperson Nama Subcounty, and Wamala John Baptist, ONC Coordinator for Mukono Municipality.
At Dembe Trading Enterprises Ltd, one of East Africa’s largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distributors, Hajjat Namyalo was received by Mr. Simon Luvunya, Chief of Operations, and Mr. Ahmed Khamis, Human Resource Manager. The company represents several leading local and international brands, including Ubisco Biscuits, Kreamy Biscuits, Snowman Ice Cream, and Farmers Choice Products.
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Mr. Luvunya commended Hajjat Namyalo for her continued efforts in championing President Yoweri Museveni’s wealth creation agenda through empowerment programs targeting ordinary Ugandans.
“We appreciate Hajjat Namyalo for stepping out of office to interact with the real people on the ground. Her visit today has inspired our workers and given them hope that the government truly cares about their welfare,” Mr. Luvunya said.
In her remarks, Hajjat Namyalo lauded Dembe employees for their hard work and resilience despite modest wages, but urged them to form SACCO groups in order to qualify for support under government programs such as ONC Empowerment Packages, the Parish Development Model (PDM), and Youth Livelihood Programs.
“You may earn little today, but you can work your way out of poverty by organizing yourselves into SACCOs. This will make it easier for government programs to reach you directly and improve your livelihoods,” she advised.
Hajjat also visited Wilma International Ltd, a factory that manufactures plastic and sewable sacks from recycled materials in an environmentally sustainable production process with over 1,000 Ugandans employed here in both day and night shifts, making it one of the largest employers in the sub-county.
Workers at Wilma International raised concerns about their working conditions and remuneration, urging Hajjat to advocate for better welfare and consideration in the now popular ONC empowerment drives.
“We work tirelessly to keep the factory running, but many of us struggle to meet our daily needs. We ask Hajjat to speak for us and help us access empowerment support that can help us start small side businesses,” one employee said.
In response, Hajjat Namyalo pledged to present their concerns to the relevant authorities, emphasizing her commitment to advocating for improved labor standards. “I will talk to H.E. Jajja wa’Bazzukulu to push for policies that ensure better working conditions and fair pay for factory workers, including the Minimum Wage Bill so that workers like you can earn a decent living,” she said.
“Our Jajja, H.E. President Yoweri Museveni, entrusted me with the mission of empowering all Bazzukulu to join the money economy. That mission begins right here — with hardworking Ugandans like you,” she added, urging them to remain focused, disciplined, and united as they strive for economic independence.
The ONC Boss concluded her field visit with a stop at Ledon Sunshine Lighting Co. Ltd in Namataba Town Council, where she was warmly welcomed by over 1,000 employees and a delegation of local leaders. The company, owned by Chinese investors, assembles a wide range of electrical and consumer products, including lighting bulbs, phone chargers, lamp holders, extension cables, electric kettles, electrical fuses, street solar lights, handbags, perfumes, and cosmetic products.
Impressed by the scale of operations and the locally produced products, Hajjat praised the company’s contribution to Uganda’s industrial growth and job creation. However, employees also used the opportunity to raise their plea for fairer pay. “We are grateful to have jobs, but we request the government to intervene and ensure that factory workers earn a wage that meets their basic needs,” said one worker during the interaction.
Hajjat assured them that their message had been well received and promised to convey it directly to President Museveni, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights and promoting inclusive economic growth.
“We cannot talk about national development when those driving the production engine are struggling. I will personally deliver your message to Jajja so that no Ugandan worker is left behind,” she affirmed.
The day’s visits were part of the innovative initiatives by Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo and the Office of the National Chairman to mobilize votes for the President by directly engaging with the people on the ground, and most especially those in the service and product sector which is one of the four core principles of the NRM Government
