Security guards lay down tools over delayed payments

Bukwo, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Several guards from Knight Guards security company deployed to provide security to China State Construction Company have laid down their tools protesting nonpayment for the past two months. The Chinese firm is undertaking the construction of the Kapchorwa-Bukwo-Suam road.

The guards laid down their tools on Thursday morning in a peaceful protest to compel the company to pay their salaries. The guards later arrested their supervisor, impounded his motorcycle, and handed them together with their firearms to Chesower police station in Bukwo district.

Samuel Hashaka Mpimbaza, the Bukwo Resident District Commissioner confirmed the incident describing it as unfortunate. Hashaka who heads the district security committee pleaded with the guards to return to work after summoning their Managing Director, Dan Meshack Okware who promised to clear their arrears.

“I want to thank the guards for handing over weapons peacefully to the police if it was other indisciplined guards they would kill people,” he said. One of the guards who declined to reveal his identity said his children were sent away from school due to his failure to pay tuition.

Dan Meshack Okware, the Managing Director of Knight Guards Security company promised to comment later when contacted by our reporter. Aminis Kayondo, the Bukwo District Police Commander told URN that they were handling the situation.

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URN