30 percent Of Oil Airport Jobs To Go To Locals In Hoima

By Busiinge George

Following the public outcry among locals in Bunyoro region that they are being denied jobs by companies executing oil related works, stakeholders in Bunyoro Wednesday held a crisis meeting to solve the impasse.

A delegation of government officials led by the State Minister for Bunyoro Affairs Earnest Kiiza, met officials from Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom led by the Premier Andrew Byakutaaga and officials from SBC Uganda, the company contracted to construct Hoima International Airport and SCO a company contracted to construct Waseko-Buliisa road at a closed door meeting held at Miika Eco Resort Hotel in Hoima town.

The meeting followed the recent demonstration by the locals who protested the failure by the SBC Uganda to offer them employment opportunities.

Reports indicate that over 400 local people applied for the jobs at SBC Uganda but they were not considered. The locals are accusing the airport contractor of importing semi and un skilled labour from outside Bunyoro.

Addressing the press shortly after the meeting, Minister Kiiza said it was agreed that the contractors reserve at least 30% of jobs for the local communities as one way of promoting local content.

It was also resolved that a data base for the local suppliers be formulated to ensure that the local people can get a chance of supplying goods and services during the implementation of the projects.

The meeting also agreed that the recruitment of workers should be done in conjunction with security agencies to avoid recruitment of criminals who might sabotage oil developments in the region.