Security guards lay down their tools (guns) over non-payment

The guards are protesting nonpayment for the past two months by the Chinese firm, which is undertaking the construction of the Kapchorwa-Bukwo-Suam road.

The guards laid down their tools yesterday morning, by laying down their tools (guns) instead of turning them on their employer is a sign of a peaceful protest to compel the company to pay their salaries.

However, the security guards were not completely non-violent as they later arrested their supervisor, impounded his motorcycle, and then placed the bike and supervisor to together to be handed over with their firearms to Chesower police station in Bukwo district.

Samuel Hashaka Mpimbaza, the Bukwo Resident District Commissioner, confirmed the incident noting that it was an avoidable occurrence.

Hashaka, who heads the district security committee, extended an olive branch to the guards on behalf of the Chinese company so as to ensure the employees 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, so his situation is desperate and this called for the desperate act of protest.

Aminis Kayondo, the Bukwo District Police Commander, said police was handling the situation.