Holcim accused of human rights violations and environmental damages in Uganda

Cement maker Holcim has been accused of human rights violations and environmental damages at subsidiary Hima Cement, for mining pozzolan ( a fine, sandy volcanic ash) from Harugongo and Kicwamba in central-western Uganda.#HumanRightshttps://t.co/RK5qS0qmlf pic.twitter.com/EaICzYtnRy

— CorpWatch (@CorpWatch) August 9, 2023

Holcim’s subsidiary in Uganda is accused of inaction in the face of complaints spanning a seven-year period and retaliatory measures against community members who raised due diligence issues.

The parent company of Aggregate Industries claims: 

Holcim operates according to the highest standards of governance, ethics and integrity with zero tolerance for any breaches across its business worldwide.

It's not only the community that has issues with Holcim's work practices in Uganda:

 

More than a year after a fire killed four workers & injured several others at the Hima Cement factory (Holcim) in Uganda's Kasese District, justice continues to elude the victims.

Full story. ⬇️https://t.co/mFPF4Lv0kB? pic.twitter.com/JXik922CIV

— BWI Global Union (@BWIglobal) April 21, 2023

According to BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson: 

A worldwide and deadly pattern of work-related accidents has harmed and killed many Holcim workers. Apologising for this latest disaster in Uganda, on top of the others, is no longer sufficient. Instead of lavish dividends and compensation to its management at the expense of decent jobs for workers and compensation to the families of those who died on the job, Holcim should justly compensate all of its workers who have been injured or killed on the job, eliminate any kind of abuse of subcontracted and third-party workers, and exercise due diligence in the selection, management, and compliance of contractors.