A group of eight Ugandans are reportedly stuck in Kigali, Rwanda after they were laid off by the State owned newspaper- New Times.
According to a source in Kigali, only two journalists among the ten who were fired last month made it to Uganda while their colleagues stayed behind waiting for their terminal benefits but in vain.
New Times failed to pay them because it is bankrupt.
In the restructuring exercise that was conducted, Sports editor Hamuza Nkutu, business editor Steven Nuwagira, Angel Musinguzi (chief subeditor), James Tasamba (chief news editor) and Timothy Kisambira (senior photographer) were kicked out.
“Only Peterson Tumwebaze and Timothy Kisambira managed to come to Uganda others are waiting for pay in Kigali,” a source said.
On March 29, 2018 letter was issued by Collin Haba, a managing director of New Times relieving five journalists their duties because the company has been hit by a financial crisis.
“The company is currently undergoing a restructuring process due to economic conditions. Unfortunately, your position has been affected,” read the letter
The firing of these journalists was preceded by the suspension of Arthur Baguma, then the managing editor at The New Times. The reason for his suspension was not given.
He later petitioned the board of directors, citing harassment at work.
Though the publication cited financial problems to be the cause of the lay-off, it is only Ugandans that have been affected, and this website has also learnt that computers belonging to Ugandans have been taken over by Rwandan officials..
These Ugandans were not given a three months notice as required by the law, before one is sacked.
No Rwandan official was available for a comment by the time of filing this report.
