Transport Drivers at Dembe Group of Companies have accused their company’s Transport Manager, Rajju, of physical abuse and harassment, claiming he regularly assaults and insults Ugandan drivers with impunity.
The drivers report that their complaints to management have gone unheard, and they are left to suffer in silence.
Salongo Nkubi, one of the drivers, recently became the latest victim, allegedly being punched by Rajju in front of other staff.
According to the drivers, Rajju has made it a habit to assault them and uses threats of dismissal to keep them from speaking out or retaliating.
“We are subjected to kicks, slaps, and insults,” said one driver, who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s happened to almost all of us, but the company remains silent.”
Despite threats to strike in protest, the drivers say they have been discouraged by the scarcity of jobs and the persuasion of some Ugandan managers within the company.
Rajju, who runs his office like “a prison torture den,” reportedly lashes out at drivers over any perceived mistakes, including vehicle breakdowns, despite his failure to maintain the vehicles to proper road standards. Many drivers feel trapped, as speaking out could cost them their jobs.
The drivers are now calling on the government to intervene, citing worsening mistreatment and a lack of accountability for their foreign manager, who they claim has become untouchable within the company.
As tensions rise, the drivers warn that if the situation is not addressed, it could escalate further.
When contacted, The Human Resource Manager only identified as Allen refused to comment about the issue saying that she still needs time.
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