Dokolo, Uganda | The Kabalega and Kakaba Mwanga historical site in Kangai Town Council, Dokolo District, meant to celebrate Uganda’s heroes, is now being branded by angry workers as a place of exploitation and broken promises.
Casual labourers say they have endured three months without pay, with some receiving far less than what was agreed.
Many described their situation as slavery at a site that should honor freedom fighters, arguing that while Kabalega and Mwanga resisted colonial oppression, they themselves were being subjected to modern-day injustice.
Some also accused the site’s managers of discrimination and deliberately sidelining certain workers.
The strike erupted on Friday morning after several workers were abruptly sent away from the site without explanation, bringing construction to a halt and leaving many stranded.
Site engineer Rogers Kasangati, however, dismissed all the allegations.
He maintained that workers had already been paid and insisted that only carpentry work was still ongoing at the site.
Police in Kangai, led by the Officer in Charge Poul Odoch, intervened to calm the situation and restore order.
According to preliminary findings, Odoch noted, the number of workers at the site had already reduced significantly compared to the earlier stages of the project.
What was envisioned as a beacon of Uganda’s resistance against colonial rule is now overshadowed by accusations of injustice and exploitation.
The community is left questioning whether the legacy of Kabalega and Mwanga is truly being honored, when those building the site in their name say they are being dishonored.