Suuma Construction Company, tasked with building Hoima Stadium for AFCON 2027, has allegedly been forcing workers to undergo HIV testing, and those found positive have been relieved of their duties.
On Wednesday, Hoima West MP Joseph Ruyonga made this revelation in parliament, urging the government to investigate and punish those responsible, emphasizing that this practice exacerbates HIV stigma in Uganda.
“Casual laborers in some Suuma Company departments are being subjected to involuntary HIV testing without informed consent, and those testing positive have been terminated,” Ruyonga explained.
He added, “This discrimination, driven by ignorance and stigma surrounding HIV, highlights a broader systemic issue in some Ugandan companies. Dismissing individuals based on HIV status is both illegal and unethical.”
Ruyonga stressed that the dignity of terminated employees was violated, contradicting Uganda’s labor laws and international human rights.
He called for the immediate reinstatement and compensation of affected staff, as well as the implementation of comprehensive HIV workplace policies in all Ugandan companies.
“All companies should conduct regular training to eliminate stigma, promote HIV understanding, and emphasize workers’ rights and the consequences of violating them,” he said. “We urge the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to investigate and ensure compliance with Uganda’s labor laws.”
Dr. Joyce Moriku, Minister of State for Primary Education, described the situation as sad and promised to investigate and take action.
“Compulsory HIV testing and dismissing positive workers contradict labor laws. If true, the Ministry will closely follow this case and act,” Dr. Moriku said.
