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The High Court in Gulu has delivered a ruling in favor of five former employees of Gulu University, affirming their right to receive retirement benefits. The ruling, issued by Justice Phillip Odoki on March 4, 2024, marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing dispute between the former workers and the university.
The beneficiaries of the court’s decision are Charles Anywar, Nelson Ociti, Adam Ogora Ojera, James Othieno, and Moses Mutesa. According to Justice Odoki’s declaration, the former employees have effectively demonstrated their entitlement to retirement benefits as stipulated in the Gulu University Human Resource Manual.
Initiating legal action against Gulu University, the former employees argued that they were unjustly denied their retirement benefits despite fulfilling all requirements outlined in the university’s Human Resource Manual. Justice Odoki concurred with their claim, emphasizing that the university violated their rights by withholding the entitled benefits.
The five ex-workers are seeking a total of over sh254 million in compensation, including special damages, general damages, exemplary damages, as well as accrued interest and legal costs. Their case underscores the significance of upholding labor rights and ensuring fair treatment of employees upon retirement.
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In response to the claims, Gulu University refuted the allegations and asserted that the former employees were not eligible for gratuity as it had already been remitted to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). Additionally, the university argued that even if the retirees were entitled to benefits, the total amount claimed did not exceed sh40 million.
However, Justice Odoki dismissed the university’s objections, emphasizing that the former employees had established a valid cause of action against Gulu University. He underscored the importance of examining whether the university’s Human Resource Manual formed part of the employment contract, indicating that this matter would be subject to further evidence.
Ultimately, Justice Odoki concluded that there was no merit in the university’s preliminary objections, affirming the former employees’ right to pursue their claims for retirement benefits.
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