Yesterday was International Labour Day and Uganda honoured it in a televised ceremony from State House. The President, Museveni, and Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Dev’t were spot on in the ceremony.
They faulted employers that laid off workers in this COVID-19 crisis and threatened tough measures when the situation normalises and they’re found out.
The same day, self styled Lil Stunner and award winning TV personality Sheila Gashumba shook tables of her former employers at NTV Uganda saying they exploit presenters and pay them peanuts.
In a series of tweets, Ms Gashumba revealed how her employers at The Style Project Show, one she co-hosted with Bettinah Tianah paid her Shs 400,000 a month, that accounts for Shs 100,000 per show.
According to her, make-up and styling for that show, a charge she incurred herself was way over what she earns a month. She said her make-up was 80,0000 and her hair 300,000. She didn’t mention her dressing but you can imagine!
The debate has attracted so many Ugandans that have been quietly exploited at their work places and they are sharing their sad ordeals while advocating for better pay.
“Okay guys these all banter aside what Sheila Gashumba has said is the TRUTH, what’s your VALUE? I would rather know am volunteering than know am going to be paid peanuts for my good work done. Some of the people I have worked with know this of me.” Bakshi Asuman, a Twitter user said.
“Turns out @SheilahGashumba sparked a debate that cuts across all professions and trades today. Some lawyers may be earning as DJ’s. My friend @MathiasSsemanda has lived around many of them. But there’s hope that one day every lawyer will hit a big deal and become rich.” Stanley Okecho tweeted.
“Thank you for advocating for better pay for people in the media, especially those working on TV and Radio. Forget the naysayers, the Presenters understand what you are talking about.” Mathias Ssemanda added.
