Kampala — Over 500 workers of Toro and Mityana Tea Estate Company in Mityana district have laid down their tools protesting poor working conditions.

The group, which included tea pluckers and casual labourers, had planned a violent strike on Monday but the district security officials, led by the resident district commissioner, Harriet Kagaba, intervened.

They have vowed not to resume work unless the factory constructs latrines and decongests their housing estate.

They also complained that they lack water and their wages, which are low, are delayed.

The workers demanded meals while at work and medical services.

"We work for over eight hours a day and we are given only one cup of porridge instead of a heavy meal. We use dirty water and the latrines in the camp are full," said one of the workers on Tuesday.

Another added: "'For so long, we have been appealing to them to address our problems. We wrote letters through our unions but they have not responded."

"The management must stop unnecessary dismissals. When you make any slight mistake, you are sacked without pay."

Kagaba and district internal security officer, Francis Muganzi, toured the estate at Bulera and said they were shocked by the poor sanitary conditions.

They ordered the company to construct latrines immediately.

During a meeting with the workers and the company administration, Kagaba warned: "You must be careful or else epidemics like cholera will break out soon. The Government wants private investors whose working environment is conducive for all parties."

The factory manager, Benon Bamwongaki, said the problems would be addressed as soon as possible.