UnPaid Dues : Uganda Coffee Board Workers Still Await Justice Decades After Dissolution

The Uganda Coffee Marketing Board (UCMB), once a cornerstone of Uganda’s economy, was dissolved in the 1990s following the liberalization of the coffee sector. Decades later, many of its former employees remain locked in a bitter struggle for their unpaid dues. Their story is a stark reminder of how poorly managed transitions can leave workers without justice.

A Legacy of Unpaid Dues

According to Mr. Kiwanuka Michael, a former employee of the UCMB, many of his colleagues have been waiting for over three decades to receive their severance pay and terminal benefits. Despite repeated appeals to the government, they have yet to see any meaningful resolution.

Mr. Kiwanuka explained how this financial neglect has pushed many into poverty, leaving them unable to meet basic needs, especially during retirement. “We served this country with dedication,” he emphasized, “but it seems our efforts have been forgotten.”

The lack of compensation for these workers tarnishes the legacy of what was once Uganda’s primary institution for regulating and promoting coffee, the nation’s top export.

The Coffee Sector and Its Liberalization

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Uganda adopted significant economic reforms under pressure from international lenders. Among these changes was the liberalization of the coffee sector, which led to the closure of the UCMB.

At its peak, the board ensured market stability, maintained quality standards, and protected farmers and traders alike. Its dissolution aimed to open the sector to private enterprise. However, this transition came at a heavy price for employees who were abruptly left jobless and uncompensated.

While the coffee industry continues to thrive and contributes significantly to Uganda’s economy, the human cost of this reform remains unresolved. Former UCMB workers, including Mr. Kiwanuka, argue that the government failed to manage the transition effectively, leaving employees abandoned and forgotten.

Persistent Appeals for Justice

The former employees have not remained silent. Over the years, they have written petitions, staged protests, and sought legal remedies, yet little progress has been made.

For individuals like Mr. Kiwanuka, the lack of payment has led to years of emotional distress. “We gave our lives to this sector,” he said, “only to be left with nothing. We are not asking for favors, only for what is owed to us.”

The Broader Implications

The plight of former UCMB staff sheds light on the challenges of poorly executed economic reforms. While liberalization often brings macroeconomic benefits, it also exposes the vulnerable to the risk of neglect.

This case serves as a warning for ongoing reforms in other sectors. Governments must ensure that employees’ rights are protected during institutional transitions. Ignoring this responsibility risks eroding public trust and undermining the social fabric of the workforce.

The government must act urgently to resolve this decades-long injustice. The former UCMB employees deserve closure and compensation. Their dedication to Uganda’s coffee industry played a crucial role in building the sector into what it is today.

By addressing their grievances, the government can not only bring relief to those affected but also demonstrate its commitment to justice and accountability. As Uganda continues to position itself as a global leader in coffee exports, it cannot ignore the sacrifices of the workers who laid its foundation.

This issue is not just about unpaid wages—it is about honoring the dignity of work and upholding fairness in governance. The former UCMB workers deserve to have their voices heard, their rights respected, and their sacrifices acknowledged.