The Royal Chief of Okol Chiefdom in Mucwini and Madi Opei sub-counties, Jude Ogik, has called on employers, leaders, and communities to create healthy psychosocial working environments to improve productivity and workers’ well-being.
Rwot Ogik made the remarks while delivering the keynote address during the belated Labour Day celebrations at Kitgum Public Playground in Kitgum municipality yesterday.
Speaking under the theme “Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment,” Rwot Ogik said workers perform better when they feel respected, safe, valued, listened to, and supported at their workplaces.
He warns that toxic leadership, intimidation, overworking employees, and harsh working conditions create fear among workers and negatively affect productivity.
According to Rwot Ogik, many workers silently struggle with stress, depression, family pressure, debt, domestic violence, alcohol abuse, unemployment, and toxic work environments.
He notes that some employees become fearful of their supervisors to the extent that they avoid reporting to work whenever their bosses are present.
Drawing from Acholi cultural practices, Ogik says traditional communal work promoted unity, storytelling, laughter, teamwork, and emotional support, unlike modern isolated work systems that increase stress and loneliness.
James Okello, the District Community Development Officer, says workers should be respected, listened to, and supported without fear of humiliation, intimidation, or punishment.
Meanwhile, RDC Jimmy Segawa Ebil said the government has continued improving workplaces to ensure they are psychologically healthy and environmentally friendly.
He cites the construction of breastfeeding and child-care spaces in Kitgum Main Market as part of the government’s efforts to support working mothers.
To address these challenges, Ebil highlights government wealth creation initiatives such as Emyooga and Parish Development Model (PDM), which he says are aimed at improving livelihoods and reducing financial pressure.
By URN
Leave a Reply