Kampala — FOLLOWING the restructuring of Uganda's electricity service provider Umeme over the last several months, a total of 175 of their staff have effective yesterday lost their jobs.

Speaking to Daily Monitor at his Rwenzori Courts office yesterday, Umeme General Manager Paul Mare said the move was aimed at eliminating duplication of duties and services as was common in the previous company structure.

"With this restructuring, we have split the technical and non technical operations," he said.

This restructuring, according to an earlier press release by Mare, down sizes Umeme outlets to nine district offices, nine satellite offices and 14 mini service centres all geared at 'providing better retail customer service and improving management of the power distribution system'.

"Many operational efficiencies have been identified through a detailed workload activity analysis that will result in a reduction of approximately 175 positions at Umeme," read the release in part, a copy of which Daily Monitor obtained.

He said while it is true that Umeme will close some of it's outlet offices, this is not because the company is in any trouble but it is part of the restructuring process that involves great reliance on technology rather than human resource.

"We will not close any of our offices unless we can offer the customer an alternative to the services he/she was accessing at that office," Mare said.

The laid off workers were paid full terminal benefits which included two months salary, repatriation allowance of Shs1.2 million and payment for any outstanding leave in accordance with the workers' union guidelines.

"We have contracted a company of specialised counsellors to counsel them," said Mare.

The company, International Financial Employment Consult with headquarters in Dr-es-Salaam, Tanzania, will also provide them with tips on starting up personal business and other human resources services.