Indians, Ugandan at Kinyara Sugar exchange blows
Workers have expressed frustration over the lack of action taken by the company to address their grievances.
Masindi: Kinyara Sugar Limited is facing serious allegations of discrimination and harassment following a violent incident involving Murugan Saravanakumaran, the Assistant Agriculture Manager. Saravanakumaran and Balaji, an Automation Manager in the Engineering Workshop, were assaulted by a driver, Innocent Katushabe, after reportedly harassing drivers over issues such as incorrect deployment, insufficient fuel, no lunch allowances, and delayed pay.
Saravanakumaran is currently recovering from injuries to his jaws, eyes, and head at Kitara Medical, while Balaji fled the office after being hit on the head with a hard object.
This incident has brought to light ongoing issues within the company’s agriculture workshop, haulage, and sugarcane farm blocks. Numerous employees have previously complained about workplace abuse, only to be ignored by the Human Resources Manager, Moses Kabira. These complaints primarily come from casual and shift workers, who report being treated like prisoners.
The toxic work environment at Kinyara Sugar Limited is not a new revelation. Last year, Dr. Ramesh Bollampoli was transferred to head Kiryandongo Sugar, another Rai Group Sugar factory in the Bunyoro region, after he flogged a driver at the Kinyara sugarcane project. This indicates a disturbing pattern of abusive behavior within the company’s management.
Workers have expressed frustration over the lack of action taken by the company to address their grievances. The allegations include mistreatment, excessive work demands, and inadequate compensation. The recent assault on Saravanakumaran is seen as a symptom of these unresolved issues, highlighting the need for immediate intervention and reform.
Kinyara Sugar Limited’s management has yet to issue a statement regarding these incidents. However, the growing number of reports of violence and harassment demands urgent attention. Employees are calling for thorough investigations and significant changes to ensure a safe and respectful workplace.
The company must address these severe accusations to restore trust and safeguard the well-being of its workforce. Immediate steps to investigate the assault on Saravanakumaran and the broader claims of mistreatment are imperative to uphold fairness and justice within the workplace.
Balaji, the Automation Manager, reported to work this morning with two Saracen guards for his protection. Balaji is a nephew to Kinyara Sugar Limited General Manager, Ravi Ramalingam.
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