Hajjat Namyalo Rallies Factory Workers To Join Government Empowerment Programs

By Gad Masereka

The Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has urged factory workers to view themselves as central players in Uganda’s wealth creation agenda rather than passive beneficiaries of government programs.

During her visit to several factories in Mukono District, Hajjat Namyalo emphasized that industrial workers are the “engine that powers Uganda’s economic transformation,” but noted that their potential often goes untapped due to limited access to empowerment initiatives. She said the government is keen on ensuring that ordinary workers — not just elites — benefit from the country’s development programs.

Her tour covered Dembe Trading Enterprises Ltd, Wilma International Ltd, and Ledon Sunshine Lighting Co. Ltd, where she interacted with hundreds of workers, listened to their challenges, and encouraged them to join organized financial cooperatives that can benefit from government funding. The outreach was coordinated by Hon Ronald Kibuule, the Mukono North NRM Flag Bearer, alongside local leaders including Ssalongo Mutiibwa Dickson Nkajja and Wamala John Baptist.

At Dembe Trading Enterprises Ltd, a major distributor of popular local and international consumer brands, Hajjat Namyalo was welcomed by Chief of Operations Simon Luvunya and Human Resource Manager Ahmed Khamis. Luvunya praised her initiative, saying her personal engagement with workers was a morale booster. “Many times government programs feel distant, but when a senior official like Hajjat comes here to talk with us, it restores confidence that the system is working for all Ugandans,” he said.

Hajjat Namyalo commended the company for employing a large number of young people and urged the workers to form SACCOs through which they could access ONC empowerment support, the Parish Development Model, and other government funding channels. “The journey out of poverty begins with organization. When you come together under a SACCO, you position yourselves for direct empowerment,” she said.

At Wilma International Ltd, where over a thousand workers are employed in producing recyclable plastic sacks, employees spoke candidly about their economic struggles. “We work long shifts to sustain the factory, yet many of us still struggle to make ends meet,” one worker said. “We need support to start small businesses or access training that can supplement our income.”

Responding to these concerns, Hajjat Namyalo promised to advocate for better labor conditions and fair pay, while commending their resilience. “I will engage the relevant authorities and brief His Excellency the President on what I have seen. Our goal is to ensure every hardworking Ugandan earns decently,” she said. “You are part of the productive backbone of this country, and your contribution must be recognized.”

Her final stop was at Ledon Sunshine Lighting Co. Ltd in Namataba, where more than a thousand employees assemble electrical and household products. The company’s expansive production line impressed Hajjat Namyalo, who lauded its role in promoting industrialization and reducing import dependence. She, however, acknowledged the workers’ concerns about low wages and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fair labor practices. “You cannot build a strong national economy on the struggles of underpaid workers,” she remarked. “I will ensure your voices reach the President, and together we shall push for inclusive growth.”

Throughout the visits, Hajjat Namyalo emphasized that President Museveni’s empowerment message is not limited to rural farmers but extends to factory workers who form a critical link in the value chain. She framed her outreach as part of a broader effort by the ONC to bridge the gap between policy and implementation by taking the President’s message directly to the people.

“The wealth creation drive is about inclusion. Every Ugandan who wakes up to work hard deserves an opportunity to prosper,” she told the workers. “Jajja wa’Bazzukulu believes in you, and through unity, discipline, and commitment, we can build a self-sustaining economy where no one is left behind.”

Her visit ended with renewed optimism among factory employees who said they felt seen and valued by the government. As Uganda continues to push its industrialization agenda, the voices of factory workers — once on the periphery of national conversations — are now taking center stage in the drive for shared prosperity.