By Frank Kamuntu
Kampala: Non-Governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals utilizing public government money will restrict non-Ugandans from competing in public works if the National Local Content Bill 2019 is passed in its current form.
The bill, which is being discussed by the Finance Committee of parliament, wants to impose local content obligations on individuals utilizing government money and natural resources or running any business requiring a license. The Local content bill further aims at improving National products, goods and industries. The proposed bill also seeks to provide for establishment of a national Local Content Committee and to promote value-addition and job creation using Local industries
The bill tabled by Kassanda North Member of Parliament Patrick Nsamba Oshabe, proposes strong restrictions on employing non-Ugandans especially in public works like construction, alteration, installations, or repair work done under contract and paid out of public funds.
The proposal suggests that a foreigner can only be employed where a Ugandan doesn’t meet the requirements for the job, following clearance from a Government department. The bill also proposes a succession plan for every position not held by a Ugandan.
“The department may grant authorization for the employment of a non-citizen where he or she is satisfied that every reasonable effort was made to find a suitable qualified Uganda citizen and none exists,” part of the bill reads.
The bill also proposes that for every position held by a foreigner, it shall be deputized by a Ugandan. It also proposes that 80 per cent of the employees in companies using public money and resources must be Ugandans and that the salary difference between non-Ugandans and Ugandans shouldn’t exceed 10 percent.
Henry Musasizi the Finance Committee Chairperson, said the Local Content bill once approved, will build the capacity of Ugandans, which has been a major cry, but also ensure that 80% of the company budget for wages goes to Ugandans among other things.
Also, the bill restricts the grant or renewal and issuance of work permits to foreigners unless a government department confirms that no Ugandan is suitable for the position for which the foreigner seeks to work in. The bill also proposes 40% subcontracting for Ugandans.
Nsamba said major projects in the country that form public works barely employ Ugandans despite the fact there are qualified individuals.
Individuals and NGO’s, companies who fail to submit the requirements will be suspended for five years. The bill lists over 124 Goods and services that can only exclusively be supplied by Ugandans under public procurement, which include health related services, tour and travel, recreational and cultural services, financial services like money lending and communication services among others.
