THE CONSTITUTION OF UGANDA SCIENTISTS, RESEARCHERS AND ALLIED WORKERS’ UNION (USRAWU)

PREAMBLE:

BELIEVING: In unity, being the solid front to build a strong, service oriented, self-sustaining labour union/organization through the management of viable subscribing shop branches at all levels;

BELIEVING: In solidarity, to achieve a dynamic employment environment facilitating the enactment and enforcement of acceptable labour laws/standards and employment policies for sustainable human and trade Union rights of all scientists, researchers and the allied workforce in Uganda.

WHEREAS; It is constitutional right and necessary that a workforce has full freedom of association and a right to belong to a Labour Union of his/her choice as enshrined in the Uganda Constitution of 1995 (as amended) article 29 (1) (e), article 40 (3) and 1948 article 2 ILO Convention 87 to protect and to promote his/her human and trade Union rights and he/she shall be free from interference, restraint, intimidation, or coercion from employers or his/her agents;

WHEREAS; The organization of workers into labour Unions has been demonstrated to be and is essential to economic, social and political freedom of society and to the successful functioning of democracy to ensure that workers shall live and work without discrimination or exploitation as further enshrined in ILO Convention 98 and;

WHEREAS; the natural right of those who labour is to enjoy to the fullest extent the fruits of their labour and since it is impossible to obtain to the full reward of labour except by uniting in the labour Union established upon its sound principles.

We declare our solidarity and unity under the Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied Workers’ Union, and its activities shall be governed by this Constitution, in which the term “USRAWU” shall be understood to mean the Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied Workers’ Union.

DEFINITION:

In this Constitution, the following definition shall guide, unless the context shall otherwise admit;

“Labour Union” means a labour Union registered under the labour unions Act, 2006;

“Employee” means any person who has entered into a contract of service or an apprenticeship contract, including without limitation, any person who is employed by or for the Government of Uganda, including the Uganda Public Service, a local authority or a parastatal organization but excludes a number of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces as per the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995 (as amended).

“Casual Employee” means a person who works on a daily or hourly basis where payment of wages is due at the completion of work as per employment contract;

“Union Members” means a member of a Labour Union or other organization representative of the interests of workers;

“Employer” means any person or group of person, including a company or corporation, a public, regional or local authority, a governing body of an unincorporated association, a partnership, parastatal organization or other institution or organization whatsoever, for whom an employee works or has worked, or normally worked or sought to work, under a contract of service, and includes the successors, assignees and transferors of any person or group of persons for whom an employee works, has worked or normally works:

“Strike” mean the go slow or the sit down by a body of person employed and acting in combination, or a concerted refusal or a refusal under a common understanding, of any number of persons employed to continue to work for an employer in consequence of a dispute, done as means of compelling the employer, or to aid to other employees, to accept or not to accept terms or conditions affecting the employee;

“Contract of Service” means any contract, whether oral or in writing, whether express or implied, where a person agrees in return for remuneration, to work for an employer and includes a contract of apprenticeship;

“Light work” means work that is not physically, mentally, socially injurious to the child;

“Recruitment” includes all operations undertaken with the object of obtaining or supplying the labour of persons who do not continuously offer their services at the place of employment;

“Termination of Employment” means the discharge of an employee from an employment at the initiative of the employer for justifiable reasons other than misconduct, such as, expiry of contract, attainment of retirement age, etc.;

“Dismissal from Employment” means the discharge of an employee from employment at the initiative of his/her employer when the said employee has committed verifiable misconduct;

“Forced and Compulsory Labour” means all work or service which is extracted from any person under the threat of a penalty, including the threat of any loss of rights or privileges and for which that person has not offered himself or herself voluntarily;

“Labour Officer” means the Commissioner or a District labour officer;

“Industrial Court” means the industrial court established by the Trade Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act, 2006

“Public Service” means service by or for the Government of Uganda and include persons employed in the public service, parastatal organizations and local authorities, but does not include a member of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces;

“Calendar year” shall mean the Gregorian calendar year as from 1st January to 31st December

“Financial year” shall mean the period between 1st January to 31st December

“Membership fee” shall mean the amount of money paid on the entry as entry fee and the subsequent monthly subscriptions or contributions.

“USRAWU” shall mean the Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied Workers Union.

“Officer” shall mean an appointed office bearer of USRAWU.

“Official” shall mean an elected office bearer of USRAWU.

ARTICLE 1:

TITLE :

The Labour Union Constituted by those rules shall be known as “The Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied workers’ Union” hereinafter referred to as “The Union” or (USRAWU).

ARTICLE 2:

REGISTERED OFFICE AND ADDRESS

The Registered Head office of the Union shall be located at Kampala or any other place determined by the National Executive Committee and the Quinquennial Delegate Conference (QDC). The Union office shall be the place for conducting the business of the Union.

ARTICLE 3:

OBJECTIVES

1. To promote, protect and uphold the dignity, morale, efficiency and the good name of the Uganda Scientists and Researchers at all times.
2. To promote the interest, rights, powers and privileges of those persons engaged in the science and research work for both the Government and in the private sectors in Uganda; to provide their status, to assert, 6 enforce and defend or to assist in asserting, enforcing and defending rights of such a person aforesaid as a group.
3. To co-operate and or affiliate to or be affiliated with other similar organizations within and outside Uganda including the National Labour Centre with a view of common, uniform or joint actions and functions on matters of common interest whenever necessary or desirable.
4. To ensure that scientists and researchers are made aware of impending changes and to ensure that Government takes into consideration the views of scientists and researchers as expressed by the Union on their behalf.
5. To provide a machinery for negotiation with the Government and/ or employers in the private sector, with a view to obtaining just and proper rates of wages, salaries , allowances, working hours, training facilities, promotions, advancements and other conditions of service and to promote the settlement of disputes arising between employees and the employers of the Government or private employers and vice versa by reconciliation, arbitration or otherwise and generally to safeguard the interest of members of the Union including the right to strike as necessary and any other rights as per laws established.
6. To provide a forum of mutual dialogue, co-operation, assistance and friendship among the scientists, researchers and the related staff as they perform their duties.
7. To protect, promote and defend the peculiar values, interest and the arising problems faced by the sector professionals, women and other disadvantaged groups and their support staff.
8. To acquire either by purchase, lease or otherwise and movable or immovable properties or other assets and sale, let or mortgage or change or otherwise assets with or dispose off such movable properties belonging to the Union.
9. To carry out all such lawful things as are incidental or co-ducive to the attainment of the above objectives or any of them.
10. The Union shall form branches and they will carry out such activities as mentioned by this Constitution.

ARTICLE 4: MEMBERSHIP

1. The eligible member of the Union irrespective of race, creed, colour, sex or profession shall be any person working in the science and research fields and/or sectors both in the public and private sectors.
2. However, the National Executive Committee of the Union may at its discretion allow a member to retain his membership of the Union not withstanding a change of appointment subsequent to his original admission.
3. Application for membership shall be made on the Union’s prescribed application and/or Declaration Form and shall be submitted to the office of the General Secretary for consideration.
4. Upon admission to membership, the member shall be bound by this constitution and rules, resolutions and decisions of the National Executive Committee and the Delegate conference and other relevant organs of the Union.
5. Rights and privileges of each member shall be person to holder and shall not be transferable by his/her own act or by operation of law and every person admitted to the Union shall be deemed to belong thereto, until his/her name shall have been removed from the register of members for a reasonable cause, or up to end of the year in which he/she resigns.
6. Every member shall be entitled to his/her right to a secret ballot in taking decisions on any matter of the Union.
7. Any member may resign on giving one month’s written notice to the General Secretary who shall upon receipt of such a notice investigate 8 the cause and if satisfied, shall notify the employer to stop Union dues deduction of that member. Prior to such notice, the member shall pay any outstanding subscription and other liabilities due from him/her.
8. Any member who loses his qualifications for membership as prescribed by this Constitution, or who is guilty of misconduct which prejudicially affects the welfare/well being of the Union, may be required to resign his/her membership by the votes of the majority the members of the National Executive Committee present at its sitting
9. Any such member so called upon to resign shall have the right to appeal to next annual or special delegates’ conference, the decision of which shall be final.
10. If notice of appeal is not given in written to the General Secretary within one month from the date of receipt of the notification of the decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC), then the National Executive Committee shall have power to remove the member’s name from the register and such a member shall forfeit all claim(s) upon the funds or property of the Union.
11. Upon a requisition in writing of not less than ten members, other than the members of the National Executive Committee, the committee shall at its next sitting consider resolve any charge or matter which may be brought against any member with a view to taking action under this article, provided that notification thereof has been given on the notice within 14 days at the sitting of the National Executive Committee.
12. Any member shall cease to belong to the Union in the event of his or her annual subscriptions being in the arrears without justifiable grounds or reasons for three months from the date the arrears become payable. The National Executive Committee may in special cases suspend the operations of this Article

ARTICLE 5:

MEMBERSHIP FEE AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

1. Every eligible person shall be required to pay a non–refundable membership fee to be determined by the delegate conference on applications for membership. Once registered, he/she shall be required to contribute a monthly subscription fee of 2% of his/her monthly gross salary to the Union as per the Labour Unions Act, 2006. There shall be a percentage of (20%) remitted to the branch upon its monthly remittance.
2. Under no circumstances shall any membership fee or subscriptions paid to the Union be refunded.

ARTICLE 6:

THE QUINQUENNIAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE

1. The National Executive Committee’s power shall be vested in the Quinquennial Delegates Conference hereinafter referred to as the “QDC” which shall have vested authority to determine policy direction of the Union.
2. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall have power to alter, amend, rescind or add anything in this constitution and or other rules made under the provisions of this constitution
3. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall be called at a time and in such a way as to ensure the maximum attendance and participation of the members of the Union, with due regard to financial considerations and length of the conference. Any case at least once annually
4. ) The National Executive Council shall submit to Quinquennial Delegates Conference reports, financial statements, auditors’ reports and amendments or proposed amendments to this Constitution and the rules made thereunder.
5. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall be held every five years on expiry of the term of office of the National Executive Council. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall review the work of the NEC and determine the general policy of the Union for the ending period and shall give all necessary and appropriate direction and authority to the NEC for carrying out of the conference decisions.
6. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall have powers to expel, suspend, and terminate any official or member from office or from membership or from entitlement to any benefits provided for in this Constitution and or as per settlement mechanisms in force.
7. The venue for Quinquennial and or annual Delegates Conference shall be decided by the NEC.
8. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall have power to fill any vacancy and to elect National office bearers

ARTICLE 7: ANNUAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE

1. The annual Delegates Conference of the Union shall be the supreme authority of the Union.
2. The annual Delegates Conference shall be held at least once every year not later than three months from the dairy of the Union’s financial year at such a time and place as may be decided upon by the National Executive Committee.
3. The annual Delegates Conference shall be convened by the General Secretary by giving 30 days notice in writing to branches of the Union with the Agenda.
4. Annual Delegates Conference shall consist of the members of the National Executive Committee, delegates from branches and Trustee board who should be paid up.
5. Every branch of the Union shall be entitled to send to the Annual Delegates Conference 100 members and/or as may be determined from time to time by the NEC.
6. Notice of motions for the Annual Delegates Conference shall be circulated by the General Secretary 14 days before the date of the meeting. The final Agenda for the Conference will be circulated by the General Secretary at the beginning of the conference.
7. The quorum of the Annual Delegates Conference shall be 1/3 of the registered branches eligible to vote and be voted for and being paid up members.

ARTICLE 8: SPECIAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE

1. A Special Delegates Conference shall be convened by the General Secretary on the directives of the National Executive Committee or at a written request of not less than 2/3 of the fully paid up members of the Union branches of whom shall be required to sign each requisition provided that the maximum number of the Delegates Conference shall not exceed two in any calendar year from the date of the previous annual Delegates Conference.
2. A Special Delegates Conference shall have all powers of an Annual Delegates Conference and it shall be governed by the same rules as to its composition, quorum and procedure.
3. If for any reason, the General Secretary, upon receipt of such request fails to convene a special Delegates Conference within 30 days the members requesting such a conference shall have the right to request NEC to convene the conference.

ARTCLE 9: THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

1. The National Executive Committee shall be collectively responsible for the management of the affairs of the Union.
2. The National Executive Committee shall consist of;- The National Chairperson, The National Vice Chairperson; The General Secretary; The Deputy General Secretary; The National Treasurer; The Assistant National Treasurer; The National Organizing Secretary for recruitment of members; The National Secretary for Education, Training and Research, The Program officer, The Secretary for public relations, Dispute/Grievance; The National Women Leader; The Secretary For youth Affairs; Four National Committee Members and three National Trustee.
3. The National Executive Committee shall meet at least Six times in a year.
4. Between the Delegates’ Conferences, all decisions of the National Executive Committee made shall be binding on the Union and on each of its officials, officers and members.
5. All acts done by any meeting of the National Executive Committee or by any member of the National Executive Committee in pursuance of the Union objectives shall notwithstanding that it be afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment or election of the National Executive Committee or any of its members, that they or anyone of them were disqualified be as valid as if the National Executive Committee or member who had been duly appointed or elected and was qualified to act as such.
6. The quorum for the National Executive Committee shall be at least 2/3 of all its members.
7. Between the Delegates Conference, the National Executive Committee shall interpret the rules and articles of the Constitution where the Constitution is silent and such interpretation will be bidding.
8. Any post that falls vacant at the National Executive Committee caused by the death, resignation, expulsion or transfer of a member shall be filled by the remaining members of the NEC pending confirmation by the Annual Delegates Conference.
9. The National Executive Committee shall consult the board of Trustees to appoint such other committees or sub – committees as may be considered necessary.
10. Any member of the National Executive Committee shall Vacate his/her seat on the committee if he/she absent three consecutive meetings of the committee without National Chairman’s permission from the.
11. The NEC shall have the powers to determine the specific duties and mode of day to day operations of officers not specifically provided for in the constitution.

ARTICLE 10: ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF OFFICE BEARERS

1. The National office bearers shall be elected after a term of five years by secret ballot at the Quinquennial Delegates Conference (QDC).
2. Only such members of the Union not in arrears with their subscriptions as stipulated in Article 4 above shall be eligible for election to serve the Union
3. Every National Office holder of the Union shall vacate his/her office at the fifth Annual Delegates Conference or Quinquennial Delegates Conference to which he/she was elected but shall be eligible for re– election.
4. The General Secretary shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Union and the Chief spokesman at the Conferences and meetings subject to the instructions of the National Executive Committee. He/She shall be responsible for the Union’s property, Staff and records. He/She shall always ensure that the constitution, rules and regulations are adhered to by the members and organs of the Union. 14 He/She shall serve either on full time basis or on honorary basis and on such terms and conditions of service as the National Executive Committee may decide subject to approval by the Delegates conference. He/She shall be responsible for the efficient conduct of the secretariat of the Union.
5. Any National office holder of the Union may be suspended from the office by majority decision of the National Executive Committee subject to the approval by the next Delegates Conference.
6. In the event of more than five National office holder of the Union dying, resigning, being dismissed or otherwise ceasing to be National Office holders during the period between two Annual Delegates Conference, special Delegates Conference in accordance with the provisions of Articles 8 above shall be convened to elect new office holders to fill the vacancies.

ARTICLES 11: DUTIES OF NATIONAL OFFICE BEARERS

1. The National Chairperson

The National Chairperson shall be elected by secret ballot at the Quinquennial Delegates Conference of the Union, from amongst the Delegates, and his/her term of office shall be five years and also will be eligible for re- election

1. He/she must have been a member of the union for at least 5 years in active leadership at any level of Union administration at or above the branch level or have been employed by Union in an elective office for at least 5 years.
2. He/she shall have qualifications of at least A’ level or its equivalent.
3. He/she shall chair National Conferences and NEC meetings and at the meetings he/she shall have a casting vote.
4. He/she may be called upon to support the representation of the union positions in branches and any other level/organ.
5. He/she shall ensure the efficient functioning of NEC meetings and committees by ensuring that the Agendas are circulated in advance of meetings, that venues are booked.
6. He/she shall ensure that the Union operates according to its policies and constitution and shall protect the interest of the Union and shall have powers to convene a meeting of the NEC and, or National Conference upon being requested by 2/3 of the membership of NEC, to consider the matter at hand in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
7. He/she shall be responsible for the proper conduct of the business on all occasion and shall sign the minutes together with the General Secretary at the time they are approved and shall in conjunction with the General Secretary, the National Treasurer or any other Officer authorized by the NEC sign Cheques and other financial documents.
8. Shall be one of the signatories to Bank Accounts.
9. The National Chairperson shall monitor the effective of the NEC and committees and make recommendations for improvement.
10. The National Chairperson shall attend where requested by the NEC negotiations with outside bodies or with branches.
11. He/she shall represent the Union as and when appropriate.

2: National Vice – Chairperson die

The Vice National Chairperson, he/she shall be elected by secret ballot from amongst the Delegates of the National Conference for five year term, and shall be eligible for re- election.

1. He/she must have been a member of the Union for the last three years in active leadership at recognized level or must have been employed by the Union for at least three years.
2. The National vice Chairperson shall deputize the National Chairperson in all functions as and when required and shall carry out his duties in accordance with the constitution.
3. Shall where necessary accompany the National Chairperson on official duties.

3: Board of Trustees:

There shall be board of Trustees consisting of three founder members of the Union these three Trustees shall be elected at the Quinqeunnial Delegates Congress every after Five (5) years and approved by the registrar of Labour Unions. No Trustee apart from the bank shall be eligible for election to office unless he/she have been a member of the Union.

1. Four members of the Executive committee shall be incorporated to the Trustee Board in meetings.
2. A Trustee may be removed from office if in the opinion of the founder members; on ground of misconduct. He/She shall however, have the right to appeal to the next Delegate Conference against the decision.
3. A Trustee shall where the NEC deems it fit be one of the signatories of the Union Account on behalf of the Union.
4. Shall chair meetings in the absence of the chair person and Vice Chairperson.

4: Council Members:

During the Quinquennial Delegates Conference (QDC), there shall be elected 8 council members whose terms of reference shall from time to time be determined by the NEC.

1. Council members shall help to coordinate activities of the Union in their respective branches and the regions under the Union’ jurisdiction.
2. Council members shall conduct their General business in accordance with the NEC roles and obligations as approved under Article 6 and 4 of this Constitution.

5: Appointed Officers of the Union:

1. The officers provided for under this Article, shall be management under the General Secretary appointed on full time basis on such terms and conditions of service as the board of Trustee may determine.

6: The General Secretary

1. The General Secretary shall be elected by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference on the full time basis where terms and conditions of service are well defined by the NEC with the approval of the QDC.
2. The General Secretary must have been an active Trade Unionists for a period of not less than ten years, and in addition must be person with integrity and sound knowledge of Trade Unionism and shall have been in the active Union leadership at a senior administrative level above the Branch.
3. The General Secretary shall be the Chief Executive officer of the Union and shall be a full time officer.
4. The General Secretary shall have the right to attend and speak at Congresses of the Union, NEC, group Conferences, Regional Councils and Branch Meetings.
5. The General Secretary shall be the principle signatory to all Accounts of the Union and have duties, rights and powers and responsibilities commensurate with the post of the principle accounting officer for the Union and shall be responsible for all Union affairs, staff and properties.
6. The General Secretary shall act under the directive of NEC and shall be the Chief spokesperson of the Union at the Conferences and meetings of relevant organs of the Union.
7. The General Secretary shall handle all correspondences and transact the day to day business of the Union in accordance with the rules and provisions of the QDC, ADC and NEC
8. He/ she shall be in charge and shall supervise the paid officials of the Union and his remuneration shall be fixed by the NEC.
9. Shall be the official spokesperson of the Union and in conjunction with the National Chairperson, shall be responsible for issuing statements on behalf of the Union.
10. He/She shall be in charge of the General administration and affairs of the Union.
11. He/She shall coordinate and supervise the operation of the Secretariat and shall chair staff management meetings at the Secretariat.
12. He/She shall prepare organizational report to relevant organs of the Union.
13. He/She shall convene the QDC, ADC, NEC and National Secretariat meetings to discuss the Union affairs with the view of taking decisions.

14. He/ She shall propose to the NEC for recruitment of other Union officials below and draw a proposal of engaging staff at salaries and allowances as shall be determined by National Executive Council (NEC).

    1. Education, Training and Research officer
    2. Support Staff
    3. Economic and Development officer
    4. Program Officer

7: Other Officials will include:-

1. Occupational Safety and Health
2. Legal Officer/Advisor
3. Public Relations and editorial officer
4. Finance Administrator
5. External Relations Coordinator

8: Deputy General Secretary

The Deputy General Secretary shall be elected by secret ballot by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference for a five (5) year term of office and shall be eligible for re–election and may be a full time officer, and his/her remuneration shall be fixed by the NEC.

1. He/She must have been a member of the Union for at least three years and above in active leadership at the recognized level of the Union branches or must have been employed by the Union in an elective office for at three years and must be a person with integrity.
2. He/ She shall be a senior officer of the Union and shall deputize the General Secretary in the management of the day to day business of the Union.
3. He/She shall be directly responsible to the General Secretary and act as General Secretary on his/her instructions or in the absence or unavailability of the General Secretary.
4. He/She shall work hand in hand with the General Secretary to coordinate Union affairs in branches and regions; shall be a senior supervisor of the Union activities in accordance with this Constitution.

9: National Treasurer

1. He/She shall be a part time Official elected by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference from amongst the delegates for a five year term of office and shall be eligible for re–election.
2. He/She shall initiate activities or programs for income generating activities and shall be paid allowances to be determined by the NEC from time to time
3. He/She shall be the Chief Finance officer of the Union and custodian of relevant financial documents and shall be responsible for all moneys received by the Union.
4. The National Treasurer shall ensure that the Union’s finances are accounted for and managed in accordance with this Constitution and other law in force affecting the labour Union.
5. He/She shall convene regular meetings of the finance committee to asses and monitor performance and to make relevant recommendations to the NEC.
6. He/She shall ensure that all payments made by the Union and all expenditures incurred are in accordance with approved budget by NEC.
7. The National Treasurer shall ensure that Region Councils and branches operate financial systems in conformity with Unions financial regulations and standards.
8. The National Treasure shall liaise closely with the Secretariat of the Union to assist in ensuring that the National office operates the most efficient subscription collection system is effective and other fund donations to the Union is properly.
9. The Treasurer shall advise the NEC and National conference on the best use, investment and accounting of the Union funds.

10: The Deputy Treasurer

1. Shall be elected from amongst the delegates at the National Conference for a five year term of office by secret ballot.
2. He/She shall deputize the National Treasurer or act as National Treasurer on his/her instructions.

11: The National Secretary for Women, Youth and PWDs Affairs

1. There shall be Women committees, Youth Committees and PWDs Committees established from union branches to National level.
2. The Secretary Women, Youth and PWDs Affairs shall be elected from amongst the delegates for a five years term at the National Delegates Conference and shall be eligible for re–election.
3. Shall ensure support for Women, youth and PWD members in representing their case through branch committees according to the Constitution and its arrangement with the National Labour Union 21 Center, and shall promote gender mainstreaming in all Union activities.
4. Shall monitor policies and practice regarding gender equality and shall promote effective dissemination of information, facilitate the development of new ideas, policies and practices regarding Women, Youth and PWD affairs and their representation.
5. Shall promote the interest and support the work of Women, Youth and PWD committees in relation to the Union as a whole and work towards networking with Women, Youth and PWDs organizations.
6. Shall examine the restrictions and constraints that Women, Youth and PWD workers encounter in every day life and effect change where necessary for the benefit of the Women, Youth and PWDs of the folk within the Union.
7. Shall organize the Women committee to act as an effective pressure group on the behalf of the Women folk where necessary and to promote interest of the Unionized Women.
8. Shall liaise with the National organizing and Education Secretary over recruitment, education and training of Women workers, and shall assist the National organizing and Education Secretary in ensuring that appropriate training is delivered through out the USRAWU Union Women workers.
9. Shall produce appropriate policy paper as and when required and shall advise Women committees and individuals, by referring their grievances to the appropriate organ of the Union.
10. Shall ensure that the Women Committee meets as appropriate and that records on Women affairs are properly kept and shall also ensure that reports are given to the General Secretary, on the progress of the committees, for consideration by the NEC
11. Shall take instruction and directives from the General Secretary in the execution of her powers and duties as provided under this Constitution.
12. Any other duties a signed from time to time by NEC.

12: Secretary for Organizing, Recruitment of Members

1. He/She shall be a part time official, elected by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference from amongst the Delegates for a five year term of office and shall be eligible for re–election.
2. He/She must have been a member of the Union for at least three years in the active leadership at recognized level and as shop stewards from Union branches.
3. Shall be the in charge of mobilization and recruiting of members.
4. He/she shall work in collaboration with the Secretary for Education, Training and Research and the General Secretary.
5. The organizing and recruitment officer must have got at least the knowledge of Trade Union through regular training to equip himself/herself with the facts about his/her Union organization and also to be able to interpret those facts well to potential members who may wish to join the Union

13: Secretary for Education, Training and Research

1. The Secretary for Education, Training and Research shall be elected by secret ballot by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference for a five (5) year term of office and shall be eligible for re–election.
2. He/She shall be a senior officer in charge of education, Training and research in the Union.
3. He/She must have been a member of the Union for at least three to five years in active leadership at any level of the Union with a 23 minimum qualification of Degree or Diploma in the related fields of eduction.
4. He/she shall work in collaboration with the Secretary for recruitment and the General Secretary.
5. The National Secretary for Education, Training and Research shall carry out field operations for the Union.
6. He/She shall report to the General Secretary.

14. Legal Officer/Advisor

1. ) He/she shall be appointed or recruited by NEC and Trustee board and shall have a minimum qualification of a degree, diploma in law practice or advocate.
2. He/she shall advise the Union on legal matters and shall handle all cases of Union members who have been affected in all forms.
3. He/she shall be responsible officer for all national and international legal matters in whatever form and shall be knowledgeable to interpret laws and related ILO Conventions i.e. the National Constitution, Labour Unions Acts, Employment Acts, Labour disputes arbitration and settlement Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act, the workers compensation Act with statutory instruments, etc.

15: Program Officer

1. He/she shall be appointed/recruited by NEC and shall have a minimum qualification of a degree and above in the related field.
2. He/she shall prepare programs of workshops and training of members for the union.
3. He/she shall be responsible officer for all national and International programs in the union.
4. He/She shall be paid a salary and allowances under he/her contract determined by the National Executive Committee
5. He/She shall report to the General Secretary.

16: Secretary for Dispute and Grievances/Publication & Editorial Officer

1. The Annual Delegates Conference shall elect a mature person knowledgeable with Trade Unions/Labour movement and grievance handling in the union.
2. He/She shall be responsible for handling and settling grievances in the Union structures at both National and international levels.
3. He/She shall be a part time Official, elected by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference from amongst the Delegates for a five term of office and shall be eligible for re–election by secret ballot.
4. Shall handle all disputes and grievances and report to the General Secretary for further action of which he/she shall refer such cases to legal officer for advise.
5. The Secretary for disputes and grievances must have been employed in the public service for at least a maximum of five years, with a minimum qualification at least a Diploma and above from a recognized Institution in the related field and shall liaise with the General Secretary for consideration, reports to the National Executive Council.
6. Shall coordinate all related matters as above to the Union organ from branch and region levels.

17: National Secretary for Youth Affairs

1. There shall be youth committee established from shops branches to National level and the chairperson at each level shall be the Youth leader. The Secretary for Youth Affairs shall be the National Youth Leader.
2. The Secretary Youth Affairs shall be elected from amongst the Delegates for a five year term at the National Delegates Conference and shall be eligible for re–election.
3. Shall ensure support for Youth members in representing their cases through Branch committees in accordance with the Union Constitution in line with the National Labour Union Center, and shall link and source youth projects from both Local and International levels.
4. Shall monitor policies and practice regarding Youth activities and shall promote effective dissemination of information, facilitate the development of new Ideas, policies and practice in regard to Youth affairs and their representation.
5. Shall promote the interest and support to the youth committees in relation to the Union as a whole and work towards the creation of National youth Networks.
6. Shall examine the restrictions and constraints that youth encounter in every day life and effect change where necessary for the benefit of the youth.
7. Shall organize the youth committees to act as an effective pressure group on the behalf of the youth folk where necessary and in the interest of the Union.
8. Shall liaise with the National organizing Secretary, mobilization and recruitment over recruitment and also liaise with the Secretary for education, training and research for training of Youth workers, and shall assist the National organizing educational Secretary in ensuring that appropriate training is delivered through out the Union.
9. Shall produce appropriate policy paper as and when required and shall advise Youth committees and individuals, by referring their grievances to appropriate organ of the Union.
10. Shall ensure that the Youth committees meet as appropriate and that records on Youth affairs are properly kept and also ensure that reports 26 are given to the General Secretary, on the progress of the committees, for consideration by the NEC.
11. Shall take instructions and directives from the General Secretary in the Execution of he/ her powers and duties as provided under this constitution.

18: Trustees

1. The Annual Delegates Conference shall elect three mature persons of high integrity as Trustees in who shall jointly be vested all the property of the Union.
2. Whenever a vacancy shall occur between two Annual Delegates Conferences.
3. In the office of a Trustee by reason of death, resignation or absence from the country, the National Executive Committee shall nominate another person to fill such a vacancy. The person nominated to fill such a vacancy shall be subject to the approval of the next Annual Delegates Conference or Special Delegates Conference whichever is earlier.

19: Employees

The National Executive Committee may engage such employees as it may from time to time deem fit and shall determine their remunerations and terms and conditions of service.

ARTICLE 12: ORGANIZATION OF BRANCHES OF THE UNION

1. The Union may establish Branches throughout the Country in its area of jurisdiction and both in the public and private sector of employment.
2. Any branch shall be named or called “The Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied Workers’ Union Branch” or USRAWU Branch.
3. The objectives and operations of a branch of the Union shall be the same as those of the Union.

ARTICLE 13: BRANCH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

1. Every branch of the Union shall have a Branch Executive Committee (BEC) consisting of a Branch Chairperson (Chief Shop steward), a deputy Chairperson, a Branch Secretary, a Branch Treasurer, a Branch Women Leader and two members. There may also be other Branch Shop stewards depending on the size of the branch as shall be determined by the General Secretary.
2. The Branch Executive Committee shall be elected at an Annual General Meeting of the members of the branch and shall hold office for Two years and upon the expiry of such period, any member of the retiring branch Executive Committee shall be eligible for re – election. The election shall be by secret ballot and/or as may be determined by the members at the meeting.
3. Meeting of the Branch Executive Committee shall be held at least once in every two Months.
4. The Annual General Meetings of branches shall be held not later than a Month from the end of the Union’s financial year.
5. Special General Meetings of Branches may be held at such time as may be considered necessary by the Branch Executive Committee and shall also be held on the request in writing to the General Secretary by the branch leaders indicating the reason for the request.

ARTICLE 14: SOURCES OF FUNDING

The Union will derive its funds from collection of membership Registration fee, Monthly subscriptions and may also receive Grants or subventions, Donations, Gifts, Bequeaths and other Grants; miscellaneous funds i.e. from sales of a sets, consultancy services, publications, special levies, fund – raising activities, research, Science, Innovations and any other lawful means such as borrowing, among others.

ARTICLE 15: UGANDA SCIENTISTS, RESEARCHERS AND ALLIED WORKERS’ UNION – USRAWU

Financial Instructions

Without prejudice to generality of the foregoing provisions of these rules, the funds of the Scientists, Researchers labour Union shall be handled in the following manner;

Cash Book

1. Income

1. The National Executive Committee shall cause a bank account (s) to be opened and maintained in the names of the Union and shall ensure that all funds belonging to the Union received by the National Treasurer are paid into the said bank account(s) within 48 hours of receipt of such money, provided that the National Treasurer shall be permitted to retain a cash imprest which shall be determined by the National Executive Committee to pay minor expenses.
2. All Cheques for withdraws shall be signed by the National Treasurer and the General Secretary or National Chairman and or any one of the National Committee members as shall be determined by NEC.
3. The Branch Treasurer shall be permitted to receive and account for any cash imprest as shall from time to time be determined by the National Executive Committee to pay minor expenses. This shall come from the percentage due to the branch and other sources.
4. ) Ordinary Branch expenditure shall be paid from the Union fund requisitioned for, from the National Treasurer with the approval of NEC.
5. The Union shall operate a separate bank account in case of any contributory provident funds or pension fund scheme for the Union.
6. A receipt in any prescribed form (which includes a carbon copy duplicate) shall be given for every remittance of cash received from whatever source and whatever purpose by USRAWU
7. Books of printed receipt shall be serially numbered, shall be controlled by the Union National Treasurer and shall be used in a strict numerical sequence.
8. Receipt books shall be issued on signatures to authorized person only and the counter – foils of all issued receipts shall be surrendered to the General Secretary on completion of each book and shall be held by him/ her until audited.
9. Adequate arrangements shall be made for the collection and prompt remittance of cash by any person authorized on behalf of the Union National Treasurer to collect such cash.
10. Cash collection shall be brought promptly to the account in the relevant cash book and no money shall be spent on hand at any point, which has not been entered.
11. An official receipt shall be issued to the government Department or firm concerned to cover the total cash remitted each month under the “check–off” system. There shall be one cash book entry per remittance, but remittance must be recorded in detail.

ARTICLE 16: EXPENDITURE:

1. Payments shall be made when due and shall be promptly in the cash book
2. A receipt must support every payment, invoice and/ or such documents as may be required to support the amount paid out.
3. Payments shall normally be made by cheque unless they are of such small amount or of such a nature, e.g. wages, that payment in cash is preferable.
4. The signatures of the receipts shall support all payments in cash
5. Payment vouchers shall support payment of salaries and wages
6. Rates of salaries and wages shall be agreed by the National Executive Committee and recorded in the minutes of the meetings at which such decisions are reached.
7. Any other method determined by the NEC from time to time.

1. Cash book

1. The cash book, in the form prescribed, shall be entered daily and totaled and balanced monthly.
2. Each receipt entry shall be supported by an official receipt whose number shall be recorded in the relevant column.
3. Each payment entry shall be supported by an original invoice (and/or) supporting documents which shall be given a serial number starting from 1st January of each year and progressing upwards throughout the year. Such serial number shall be recorded in the relevant column.
4. Receipts of cash (or checks until paid into the bank) shall be entered in the cash column on receipts’ side of the cash book.
5. Payment in cash shall be entered in the cash column on the payment side of the cash book
6. Money drawn by USRAWU from the Bank shall be recorded as a control entry i.e. in the cash column on the receipts’ side of the cash book
7. Money paid into the Bank, whether in cash or by cheques or a mixture of both, shall be entered in the Bank column on the payment side of the cash book.
8. If the Union National Treasurer does not write up the books of account himself/herself, he/she shall personally check all cash books entries not 31 less than one Month and shall sign and date the cash book at the point of check as evidence of having done so

THE CONSTITUTION OF UGANDA SCIENTISTS, RESEARCHERS AND ALLIED WORKERS’ UNION (USRAWU)

PREAMBLE:

BELIEVING: In unity, being the solid front to build a strong, service oriented, self-sustaining labour union/organization through the management of viable subscribing shop branches at all levels;

BELIEVING: In solidarity, to achieve a dynamic employment environment facilitating the enactment and enforcement of acceptable labour laws/standards and employment policies for sustainable human and trade Union rights of all scientists, researchers and the allied workforce in Uganda.

WHEREAS; It is constitutional right and necessary that a workforce has full freedom of association and a right to belong to a Labour Union of his/her choice as enshrined in the Uganda Constitution of 1995 (as amended) article 29 (1) (e), article 40 (3) and 1948 article 2 ILO Convention 87 to protect and to promote his/her human and trade Union rights and he/she shall be free from interference, restraint, intimidation, or coercion from employers or his/her agents;

WHEREAS; The organization of workers into labour Unions has been demonstrated to be and is essential to economic, social and political freedom of society and to the successful functioning of democracy to ensure that workers shall live and work without discrimination or exploitation as further enshrined in ILO Convention 98 and;

WHEREAS; the natural right of those who labour is to enjoy to the fullest extent the fruits of their labour and since it is impossible to obtain to the full reward of labour except by uniting in the labour Union established upon its sound principles.

We declare our solidarity and unity under the Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied Workers’ Union, and its activities shall be governed by this Constitution, in which the term “USRAWU” shall be understood to mean the Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied Workers’ Union.

DEFINITION:

In this Constitution, the following definition shall guide, unless the context shall otherwise admit;

“Labour Union” means a labour Union registered under the labour unions Act, 2006;

“Employee” means any person who has entered into a contract of service or an apprenticeship contract, including without limitation, any person who is employed by or for the Government of Uganda, including the Uganda Public Service, a local authority or a parastatal organization but excludes a number of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces as per the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995 (as amended).

“Casual Employee” means a person who works on a daily or hourly basis where payment of wages is due at the completion of work as per employment contract;

“Union Members” means a member of a Labour Union or other organization representative of the interests of workers;

“Employer” means any person or group of person, including a company or corporation, a public, regional or local authority, a governing body of an unincorporated association, a partnership, parastatal organization or other institution or organization whatsoever, for whom an employee works or has worked, or normally worked or sought to work, under a contract of service, and includes the successors, assignees and transferors of any person or group of persons for whom an employee works, has worked or normally works:

“Strike” mean the go slow or the sit down by a body of person employed and acting in combination, or a concerted refusal or a refusal under a common understanding, of any number of persons employed to continue to work for an employer in consequence of a dispute, done as means of compelling the employer, or to aid to other employees, to accept or not to accept terms or conditions affecting the employee;

“Contract of Service” means any contract, whether oral or in writing, whether express or implied, where a person agrees in return for remuneration, to work for an employer and includes a contract of apprenticeship;

“Light work” means work that is not physically, mentally, socially injurious to the child;

“Recruitment” includes all operations undertaken with the object of obtaining or supplying the labour of persons who do not continuously offer their services at the place of employment;

“Termination of Employment” means the discharge of an employee from an employment at the initiative of the employer for justifiable reasons other than misconduct, such as, expiry of contract, attainment of retirement age, etc.;

“Dismissal from Employment” means the discharge of an employee from employment at the initiative of his/her employer when the said employee has committed verifiable misconduct;

“Forced and Compulsory Labour” means all work or service which is extracted from any person under the threat of a penalty, including the threat of any loss of rights or privileges and for which that person has not offered himself or herself voluntarily;

“Labour Officer” means the Commissioner or a District labour officer;

“Industrial Court” means the industrial court established by the Trade Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act, 2006

“Public Service” means service by or for the Government of Uganda and include persons employed in the public service, parastatal organizations and local authorities, but does not include a member of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces;

“Calendar year” shall mean the Gregorian calendar year as from 1st January to 31st December

“Financial year” shall mean the period between 1st January to 31st December

“Membership fee” shall mean the amount of money paid on the entry as entry fee and the subsequent monthly subscriptions or contributions.

“USRAWU” shall mean the Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied Workers Union.

“Officer” shall mean an appointed office bearer of USRAWU.

“Official” shall mean an elected office bearer of USRAWU.

ARTICLE 1:

TITLE :

The Labour Union Constituted by those rules shall be known as “The Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied workers’ Union” hereinafter referred to as “The Union” or (USRAWU).

ARTICLE 2:

REGISTERED OFFICE AND ADDRESS

The Registered Head office of the Union shall be located at Kampala or any other place determined by the National Executive Committee and the Quinquennial Delegate Conference (QDC). The Union office shall be the place for conducting the business of the Union.

ARTICLE 3:

OBJECTIVES

1. To promote, protect and uphold the dignity, morale, efficiency and the good name of the Uganda Scientists and Researchers at all times.
2. To promote the interest, rights, powers and privileges of those persons engaged in the science and research work for both the Government and in the private sectors in Uganda; to provide their status, to assert, 6 enforce and defend or to assist in asserting, enforcing and defending rights of such a person aforesaid as a group.
3. To co-operate and or affiliate to or be affiliated with other similar organizations within and outside Uganda including the National Labour Centre with a view of common, uniform or joint actions and functions on matters of common interest whenever necessary or desirable.
4. To ensure that scientists and researchers are made aware of impending changes and to ensure that Government takes into consideration the views of scientists and researchers as expressed by the Union on their behalf.
5. To provide a machinery for negotiation with the Government and/ or employers in the private sector, with a view to obtaining just and proper rates of wages, salaries , allowances, working hours, training facilities, promotions, advancements and other conditions of service and to promote the settlement of disputes arising between employees and the employers of the Government or private employers and vice versa by reconciliation, arbitration or otherwise and generally to safeguard the interest of members of the Union including the right to strike as necessary and any other rights as per laws established.
6. To provide a forum of mutual dialogue, co-operation, assistance and friendship among the scientists, researchers and the related staff as they perform their duties.
7. To protect, promote and defend the peculiar values, interest and the arising problems faced by the sector professionals, women and other disadvantaged groups and their support staff.
8. To acquire either by purchase, lease or otherwise and movable or immovable properties or other assets and sale, let or mortgage or change or otherwise assets with or dispose off such movable properties belonging to the Union.
9. To carry out all such lawful things as are incidental or co-ducive to the attainment of the above objectives or any of them.
10. The Union shall form branches and they will carry out such activities as mentioned by this Constitution.

ARTICLE 4: MEMBERSHIP

1. The eligible member of the Union irrespective of race, creed, colour, sex or profession shall be any person working in the science and research fields and/or sectors both in the public and private sectors.
2. However, the National Executive Committee of the Union may at its discretion allow a member to retain his membership of the Union not withstanding a change of appointment subsequent to his original admission.
3. Application for membership shall be made on the Union’s prescribed application and/or Declaration Form and shall be submitted to the office of the General Secretary for consideration.
4. Upon admission to membership, the member shall be bound by this constitution and rules, resolutions and decisions of the National Executive Committee and the Delegate conference and other relevant organs of the Union.
5. Rights and privileges of each member shall be person to holder and shall not be transferable by his/her own act or by operation of law and every person admitted to the Union shall be deemed to belong thereto, until his/her name shall have been removed from the register of members for a reasonable cause, or up to end of the year in which he/she resigns.
6. Every member shall be entitled to his/her right to a secret ballot in taking decisions on any matter of the Union.
7. Any member may resign on giving one month’s written notice to the General Secretary who shall upon receipt of such a notice investigate 8 the cause and if satisfied, shall notify the employer to stop Union dues deduction of that member. Prior to such notice, the member shall pay any outstanding subscription and other liabilities due from him/her.
8. Any member who loses his qualifications for membership as prescribed by this Constitution, or who is guilty of misconduct which prejudicially affects the welfare/well being of the Union, may be required to resign his/her membership by the votes of the majority the members of the National Executive Committee present at its sitting
9. Any such member so called upon to resign shall have the right to appeal to next annual or special delegates’ conference, the decision of which shall be final.
10. If notice of appeal is not given in written to the General Secretary within one month from the date of receipt of the notification of the decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC), then the National Executive Committee shall have power to remove the member’s name from the register and such a member shall forfeit all claim(s) upon the funds or property of the Union.
11. Upon a requisition in writing of not less than ten members, other than the members of the National Executive Committee, the committee shall at its next sitting consider resolve any charge or matter which may be brought against any member with a view to taking action under this article, provided that notification thereof has been given on the notice within 14 days at the sitting of the National Executive Committee.
12. Any member shall cease to belong to the Union in the event of his or her annual subscriptions being in the arrears without justifiable grounds or reasons for three months from the date the arrears become payable. The National Executive Committee may in special cases suspend the operations of this Article

ARTICLE 5:

MEMBERSHIP FEE AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

1. Every eligible person shall be required to pay a non–refundable membership fee to be determined by the delegate conference on applications for membership. Once registered, he/she shall be required to contribute a monthly subscription fee of 2% of his/her monthly gross salary to the Union as per the Labour Unions Act, 2006. There shall be a percentage of (20%) remitted to the branch upon its monthly remittance.
2. Under no circumstances shall any membership fee or subscriptions paid to the Union be refunded.

ARTICLE 6:

THE QUINQUENNIAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE

1. The National Executive Committee’s power shall be vested in the Quinquennial Delegates Conference hereinafter referred to as the “QDC” which shall have vested authority to determine policy direction of the Union.
2. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall have power to alter, amend, rescind or add anything in this constitution and or other rules made under the provisions of this constitution
3. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall be called at a time and in such a way as to ensure the maximum attendance and participation of the members of the Union, with due regard to financial considerations and length of the conference. Any case at least once annually
4. ) The National Executive Council shall submit to Quinquennial Delegates Conference reports, financial statements, auditors’ reports and amendments or proposed amendments to this Constitution and the rules made thereunder.
5. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall be held every five years on expiry of the term of office of the National Executive Council. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall review the work of the NEC and determine the general policy of the Union for the ending period and shall give all necessary and appropriate direction and authority to the NEC for carrying out of the conference decisions.
6. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall have powers to expel, suspend, and terminate any official or member from office or from membership or from entitlement to any benefits provided for in this Constitution and or as per settlement mechanisms in force.
7. The venue for Quinquennial and or annual Delegates Conference shall be decided by the NEC.
8. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall have power to fill any vacancy and to elect National office bearers

ARTICLE 7: ANNUAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE

1. The annual Delegates Conference of the Union shall be the supreme authority of the Union.
2. The annual Delegates Conference shall be held at least once every year not later than three months from the dairy of the Union’s financial year at such a time and place as may be decided upon by the National Executive Committee.
3. The annual Delegates Conference shall be convened by the General Secretary by giving 30 days notice in writing to branches of the Union with the Agenda.
4. Annual Delegates Conference shall consist of the members of the National Executive Committee, delegates from branches and Trustee board who should be paid up.
5. Every branch of the Union shall be entitled to send to the Annual Delegates Conference 100 members and/or as may be determined from time to time by the NEC.
6. Notice of motions for the Annual Delegates Conference shall be circulated by the General Secretary 14 days before the date of the meeting. The final Agenda for the Conference will be circulated by the General Secretary at the beginning of the conference.
7. The quorum of the Annual Delegates Conference shall be 1/3 of the registered branches eligible to vote and be voted for and being paid up members.

ARTICLE 8: SPECIAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE

1. A Special Delegates Conference shall be convened by the General Secretary on the directives of the National Executive Committee or at a written request of not less than 2/3 of the fully paid up members of the Union branches of whom shall be required to sign each requisition provided that the maximum number of the Delegates Conference shall not exceed two in any calendar year from the date of the previous annual Delegates Conference.
2. A Special Delegates Conference shall have all powers of an Annual Delegates Conference and it shall be governed by the same rules as to its composition, quorum and procedure.
3. If for any reason, the General Secretary, upon receipt of such request fails to convene a special Delegates Conference within 30 days the members requesting such a conference shall have the right to request NEC to convene the conference.

ARTCLE 9: THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

1. The National Executive Committee shall be collectively responsible for the management of the affairs of the Union.
2. The National Executive Committee shall consist of;- The National Chairperson, The National Vice Chairperson; The General Secretary; The Deputy General Secretary; The National Treasurer; The Assistant National Treasurer; The National Organizing Secretary for recruitment of members; The National Secretary for Education, Training and Research, The Program officer, The Secretary for public relations, Dispute/Grievance; The National Women Leader; The Secretary For youth Affairs; Four National Committee Members and three National Trustee.
3. The National Executive Committee shall meet at least Six times in a year.
4. Between the Delegates’ Conferences, all decisions of the National Executive Committee made shall be binding on the Union and on each of its officials, officers and members.
5. All acts done by any meeting of the National Executive Committee or by any member of the National Executive Committee in pursuance of the Union objectives shall notwithstanding that it be afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment or election of the National Executive Committee or any of its members, that they or anyone of them were disqualified be as valid as if the National Executive Committee or member who had been duly appointed or elected and was qualified to act as such.
6. The quorum for the National Executive Committee shall be at least 2/3 of all its members.
7. Between the Delegates Conference, the National Executive Committee shall interpret the rules and articles of the Constitution where the Constitution is silent and such interpretation will be bidding.
8. Any post that falls vacant at the National Executive Committee caused by the death, resignation, expulsion or transfer of a member shall be filled by the remaining members of the NEC pending confirmation by the Annual Delegates Conference.
9. The National Executive Committee shall consult the board of Trustees to appoint such other committees or sub – committees as may be considered necessary.
10. Any member of the National Executive Committee shall Vacate his/her seat on the committee if he/she absent three consecutive meetings of the committee without National Chairman’s permission from the.
11. The NEC shall have the powers to determine the specific duties and mode of day to day operations of officers not specifically provided for in the constitution.

ARTICLE 10: ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF OFFICE BEARERS

1. The National office bearers shall be elected after a term of five years by secret ballot at the Quinquennial Delegates Conference (QDC).
2. Only such members of the Union not in arrears with their subscriptions as stipulated in Article 4 above shall be eligible for election to serve the Union
3. Every National Office holder of the Union shall vacate his/her office at the fifth Annual Delegates Conference or Quinquennial Delegates Conference to which he/she was elected but shall be eligible for re– election.
4. The General Secretary shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Union and the Chief spokesman at the Conferences and meetings subject to the instructions of the National Executive Committee. He/She shall be responsible for the Union’s property, Staff and records. He/She shall always ensure that the constitution, rules and regulations are adhered to by the members and organs of the Union. 14 He/She shall serve either on full time basis or on honorary basis and on such terms and conditions of service as the National Executive Committee may decide subject to approval by the Delegates conference. He/She shall be responsible for the efficient conduct of the secretariat of the Union.
5. Any National office holder of the Union may be suspended from the office by majority decision of the National Executive Committee subject to the approval by the next Delegates Conference.
6. In the event of more than five National office holder of the Union dying, resigning, being dismissed or otherwise ceasing to be National Office holders during the period between two Annual Delegates Conference, special Delegates Conference in accordance with the provisions of Articles 8 above shall be convened to elect new office holders to fill the vacancies.

ARTICLES 11: DUTIES OF NATIONAL OFFICE BEARERS

1. The National Chairperson

The National Chairperson shall be elected by secret ballot at the Quinquennial Delegates Conference of the Union, from amongst the Delegates, and his/her term of office shall be five years and also will be eligible for re- election

1. He/she must have been a member of the union for at least 5 years in active leadership at any level of Union administration at or above the branch level or have been employed by Union in an elective office for at least 5 years.
2. He/she shall have qualifications of at least A’ level or its equivalent.
3. He/she shall chair National Conferences and NEC meetings and at the meetings he/she shall have a casting vote.
4. He/she may be called upon to support the representation of the union positions in branches and any other level/organ.
5. He/she shall ensure the efficient functioning of NEC meetings and committees by ensuring that the Agendas are circulated in advance of meetings, that venues are booked.
6. He/she shall ensure that the Union operates according to its policies and constitution and shall protect the interest of the Union and shall have powers to convene a meeting of the NEC and, or National Conference upon being requested by 2/3 of the membership of NEC, to consider the matter at hand in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
7. He/she shall be responsible for the proper conduct of the business on all occasion and shall sign the minutes together with the General Secretary at the time they are approved and shall in conjunction with the General Secretary, the National Treasurer or any other Officer authorized by the NEC sign Cheques and other financial documents.
8. Shall be one of the signatories to Bank Accounts.
9. The National Chairperson shall monitor the effective of the NEC and committees and make recommendations for improvement.
10. The National Chairperson shall attend where requested by the NEC negotiations with outside bodies or with branches.
11. He/she shall represent the Union as and when appropriate.

2: National Vice – Chairperson die

The Vice National Chairperson, he/she shall be elected by secret ballot from amongst the Delegates of the National Conference for five year term, and shall be eligible for re- election.

1. He/she must have been a member of the Union for the last three years in active leadership at recognized level or must have been employed by the Union for at least three years.
2. The National vice Chairperson shall deputize the National Chairperson in all functions as and when required and shall carry out his duties in accordance with the constitution.
3. Shall where necessary accompany the National Chairperson on official duties.

3: Board of Trustees:

There shall be board of Trustees consisting of three founder members of the Union these three Trustees shall be elected at the Quinqeunnial Delegates Congress every after Five (5) years and approved by the registrar of Labour Unions. No Trustee apart from the bank shall be eligible for election to office unless he/she have been a member of the Union.

1. Four members of the Executive committee shall be incorporated to the Trustee Board in meetings.
2. A Trustee may be removed from office if in the opinion of the founder members; on ground of misconduct. He/She shall however, have the right to appeal to the next Delegate Conference against the decision.
3. A Trustee shall where the NEC deems it fit be one of the signatories of the Union Account on behalf of the Union.
4. Shall chair meetings in the absence of the chair person and Vice Chairperson.

4: Council Members:

During the Quinquennial Delegates Conference (QDC), there shall be elected 8 council members whose terms of reference shall from time to time be determined by the NEC.

1. Council members shall help to coordinate activities of the Union in their respective branches and the regions under the Union’ jurisdiction.
2. Council members shall conduct their General business in accordance with the NEC roles and obligations as approved under Article 6 and 4 of this Constitution.

5: Appointed Officers of the Union:

1. The officers provided for under this Article, shall be management under the General Secretary appointed on full time basis on such terms and conditions of service as the board of Trustee may determine.

6: The General Secretary

1. The General Secretary shall be elected by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference on the full time basis where terms and conditions of service are well defined by the NEC with the approval of the QDC.
2. The General Secretary must have been an active Trade Unionists for a period of not less than ten years, and in addition must be person with integrity and sound knowledge of Trade Unionism and shall have been in the active Union leadership at a senior administrative level above the Branch.
3. The General Secretary shall be the Chief Executive officer of the Union and shall be a full time officer.
4. The General Secretary shall have the right to attend and speak at Congresses of the Union, NEC, group Conferences, Regional Councils and Branch Meetings.
5. The General Secretary shall be the principle signatory to all Accounts of the Union and have duties, rights and powers and responsibilities commensurate with the post of the principle accounting officer for the Union and shall be responsible for all Union affairs, staff and properties.
6. The General Secretary shall act under the directive of NEC and shall be the Chief spokesperson of the Union at the Conferences and meetings of relevant organs of the Union.
7. The General Secretary shall handle all correspondences and transact the day to day business of the Union in accordance with the rules and provisions of the QDC, ADC and NEC
8. He/ she shall be in charge and shall supervise the paid officials of the Union and his remuneration shall be fixed by the NEC.
9. Shall be the official spokesperson of the Union and in conjunction with the National Chairperson, shall be responsible for issuing statements on behalf of the Union.
10. He/She shall be in charge of the General administration and affairs of the Union.
11. He/She shall coordinate and supervise the operation of the Secretariat and shall chair staff management meetings at the Secretariat.
12. He/She shall prepare organizational report to relevant organs of the Union.
13. He/She shall convene the QDC, ADC, NEC and National Secretariat meetings to discuss the Union affairs with the view of taking decisions.

14. He/ She shall propose to the NEC for recruitment of other Union officials below and draw a proposal of engaging staff at salaries and allowances as shall be determined by National Executive Council (NEC).

    1. Education, Training and Research officer
    2. Support Staff
    3. Economic and Development officer
    4. Program Officer

7: Other Officials will include:-

1. Occupational Safety and Health
2. Legal Officer/Advisor
3. Public Relations and editorial officer
4. Finance Administrator
5. External Relations Coordinator

8: Deputy General Secretary

The Deputy General Secretary shall be elected by secret ballot by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference for a five (5) year term of office and shall be eligible for re–election and may be a full time officer, and his/her remuneration shall be fixed by the NEC.

1. He/She must have been a member of the Union for at least three years and above in active leadership at the recognized level of the Union branches or must have been employed by the Union in an elective office for at three years and must be a person with integrity.
2. He/ She shall be a senior officer of the Union and shall deputize the General Secretary in the management of the day to day business of the Union.
3. He/She shall be directly responsible to the General Secretary and act as General Secretary on his/her instructions or in the absence or unavailability of the General Secretary.
4. He/She shall work hand in hand with the General Secretary to coordinate Union affairs in branches and regions; shall be a senior supervisor of the Union activities in accordance with this Constitution.

9: National Treasurer

1. He/She shall be a part time Official elected by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference from amongst the delegates for a five year term of office and shall be eligible for re–election.
2. He/She shall initiate activities or programs for income generating activities and shall be paid allowances to be determined by the NEC from time to time
3. He/She shall be the Chief Finance officer of the Union and custodian of relevant financial documents and shall be responsible for all moneys received by the Union.
4. The National Treasurer shall ensure that the Union’s finances are accounted for and managed in accordance with this Constitution and other law in force affecting the labour Union.
5. He/She shall convene regular meetings of the finance committee to asses and monitor performance and to make relevant recommendations to the NEC.
6. He/She shall ensure that all payments made by the Union and all expenditures incurred are in accordance with approved budget by NEC.
7. The National Treasurer shall ensure that Region Councils and branches operate financial systems in conformity with Unions financial regulations and standards.
8. The National Treasure shall liaise closely with the Secretariat of the Union to assist in ensuring that the National office operates the most efficient subscription collection system is effective and other fund donations to the Union is properly.
9. The Treasurer shall advise the NEC and National conference on the best use, investment and accounting of the Union funds.

10: The Deputy Treasurer

1. Shall be elected from amongst the delegates at the National Conference for a five year term of office by secret ballot.
2. He/She shall deputize the National Treasurer or act as National Treasurer on his/her instructions.

11: The National Secretary for Women, Youth and PWDs Affairs

1. There shall be Women committees, Youth Committees and PWDs Committees established from union branches to National level.
2. The Secretary Women, Youth and PWDs Affairs shall be elected from amongst the delegates for a five years term at the National Delegates Conference and shall be eligible for re–election.
3. Shall ensure support for Women, youth and PWD members in representing their case through branch committees according to the Constitution and its arrangement with the National Labour Union 21 Center, and shall promote gender mainstreaming in all Union activities.
4. Shall monitor policies and practice regarding gender equality and shall promote effective dissemination of information, facilitate the development of new ideas, policies and practices regarding Women, Youth and PWD affairs and their representation.
5. Shall promote the interest and support the work of Women, Youth and PWD committees in relation to the Union as a whole and work towards networking with Women, Youth and PWDs organizations.
6. Shall examine the restrictions and constraints that Women, Youth and PWD workers encounter in every day life and effect change where necessary for the benefit of the Women, Youth and PWDs of the folk within the Union.
7. Shall organize the Women committee to act as an effective pressure group on the behalf of the Women folk where necessary and to promote interest of the Unionized Women.
8. Shall liaise with the National organizing and Education Secretary over recruitment, education and training of Women workers, and shall assist the National organizing and Education Secretary in ensuring that appropriate training is delivered through out the USRAWU Union Women workers.
9. Shall produce appropriate policy paper as and when required and shall advise Women committees and individuals, by referring their grievances to the appropriate organ of the Union.
10. Shall ensure that the Women Committee meets as appropriate and that records on Women affairs are properly kept and shall also ensure that reports are given to the General Secretary, on the progress of the committees, for consideration by the NEC
11. Shall take instruction and directives from the General Secretary in the execution of her powers and duties as provided under this Constitution.
12. Any other duties a signed from time to time by NEC.

12: Secretary for Organizing, Recruitment of Members

1. He/She shall be a part time official, elected by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference from amongst the Delegates for a five year term of office and shall be eligible for re–election.
2. He/She must have been a member of the Union for at least three years in the active leadership at recognized level and as shop stewards from Union branches.
3. Shall be the in charge of mobilization and recruiting of members.
4. He/she shall work in collaboration with the Secretary for Education, Training and Research and the General Secretary.
5. The organizing and recruitment officer must have got at least the knowledge of Trade Union through regular training to equip himself/herself with the facts about his/her Union organization and also to be able to interpret those facts well to potential members who may wish to join the Union

13: Secretary for Education, Training and Research

1. The Secretary for Education, Training and Research shall be elected by secret ballot by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference for a five (5) year term of office and shall be eligible for re–election.
2. He/She shall be a senior officer in charge of education, Training and research in the Union.
3. He/She must have been a member of the Union for at least three to five years in active leadership at any level of the Union with a 23 minimum qualification of Degree or Diploma in the related fields of eduction.
4. He/she shall work in collaboration with the Secretary for recruitment and the General Secretary.
5. The National Secretary for Education, Training and Research shall carry out field operations for the Union.
6. He/She shall report to the General Secretary.

14. Legal Officer/Advisor

1. ) He/she shall be appointed or recruited by NEC and Trustee board and shall have a minimum qualification of a degree, diploma in law practice or advocate.
2. He/she shall advise the Union on legal matters and shall handle all cases of Union members who have been affected in all forms.
3. He/she shall be responsible officer for all national and international legal matters in whatever form and shall be knowledgeable to interpret laws and related ILO Conventions i.e. the National Constitution, Labour Unions Acts, Employment Acts, Labour disputes arbitration and settlement Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act, the workers compensation Act with statutory instruments, etc.

15: Program Officer

1. He/she shall be appointed/recruited by NEC and shall have a minimum qualification of a degree and above in the related field.
2. He/she shall prepare programs of workshops and training of members for the union.
3. He/she shall be responsible officer for all national and International programs in the union.
4. He/She shall be paid a salary and allowances under he/her contract determined by the National Executive Committee
5. He/She shall report to the General Secretary.

16: Secretary for Dispute and Grievances/Publication & Editorial Officer

1. The Annual Delegates Conference shall elect a mature person knowledgeable with Trade Unions/Labour movement and grievance handling in the union.
2. He/She shall be responsible for handling and settling grievances in the Union structures at both National and international levels.
3. He/She shall be a part time Official, elected by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference from amongst the Delegates for a five term of office and shall be eligible for re–election by secret ballot.
4. Shall handle all disputes and grievances and report to the General Secretary for further action of which he/she shall refer such cases to legal officer for advise.
5. The Secretary for disputes and grievances must have been employed in the public service for at least a maximum of five years, with a minimum qualification at least a Diploma and above from a recognized Institution in the related field and shall liaise with the General Secretary for consideration, reports to the National Executive Council.
6. Shall coordinate all related matters as above to the Union organ from branch and region levels.

17: National Secretary for Youth Affairs

1. There shall be youth committee established from shops branches to National level and the chairperson at each level shall be the Youth leader. The Secretary for Youth Affairs shall be the National Youth Leader.
2. The Secretary Youth Affairs shall be elected from amongst the Delegates for a five year term at the National Delegates Conference and shall be eligible for re–election.
3. Shall ensure support for Youth members in representing their cases through Branch committees in accordance with the Union Constitution in line with the National Labour Union Center, and shall link and source youth projects from both Local and International levels.
4. Shall monitor policies and practice regarding Youth activities and shall promote effective dissemination of information, facilitate the development of new Ideas, policies and practice in regard to Youth affairs and their representation.
5. Shall promote the interest and support to the youth committees in relation to the Union as a whole and work towards the creation of National youth Networks.
6. Shall examine the restrictions and constraints that youth encounter in every day life and effect change where necessary for the benefit of the youth.
7. Shall organize the youth committees to act as an effective pressure group on the behalf of the youth folk where necessary and in the interest of the Union.
8. Shall liaise with the National organizing Secretary, mobilization and recruitment over recruitment and also liaise with the Secretary for education, training and research for training of Youth workers, and shall assist the National organizing educational Secretary in ensuring that appropriate training is delivered through out the Union.
9. Shall produce appropriate policy paper as and when required and shall advise Youth committees and individuals, by referring their grievances to appropriate organ of the Union.
10. Shall ensure that the Youth committees meet as appropriate and that records on Youth affairs are properly kept and also ensure that reports 26 are given to the General Secretary, on the progress of the committees, for consideration by the NEC.
11. Shall take instructions and directives from the General Secretary in the Execution of he/ her powers and duties as provided under this constitution.

18: Trustees

1. The Annual Delegates Conference shall elect three mature persons of high integrity as Trustees in who shall jointly be vested all the property of the Union.
2. Whenever a vacancy shall occur between two Annual Delegates Conferences.
3. In the office of a Trustee by reason of death, resignation or absence from the country, the National Executive Committee shall nominate another person to fill such a vacancy. The person nominated to fill such a vacancy shall be subject to the approval of the next Annual Delegates Conference or Special Delegates Conference whichever is earlier.

19: Employees

The National Executive Committee may engage such employees as it may from time to time deem fit and shall determine their remunerations and terms and conditions of service.

ARTICLE 12: ORGANIZATION OF BRANCHES OF THE UNION

1. The Union may establish Branches throughout the Country in its area of jurisdiction and both in the public and private sector of employment.
2. Any branch shall be named or called “The Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied Workers’ Union Branch” or USRAWU Branch.
3. The objectives and operations of a branch of the Union shall be the same as those of the Union.

ARTICLE 13: BRANCH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

1. Every branch of the Union shall have a Branch Executive Committee (BEC) consisting of a Branch Chairperson (Chief Shop steward), a deputy Chairperson, a Branch Secretary, a Branch Treasurer, a Branch Women Leader and two members. There may also be other Branch Shop stewards depending on the size of the branch as shall be determined by the General Secretary.
2. The Branch Executive Committee shall be elected at an Annual General Meeting of the members of the branch and shall hold office for Two years and upon the expiry of such period, any member of the retiring branch Executive Committee shall be eligible for re – election. The election shall be by secret ballot and/or as may be determined by the members at the meeting.
3. Meeting of the Branch Executive Committee shall be held at least once in every two Months.
4. The Annual General Meetings of branches shall be held not later than a Month from the end of the Union’s financial year.
5. Special General Meetings of Branches may be held at such time as may be considered necessary by the Branch Executive Committee and shall also be held on the request in writing to the General Secretary by the branch leaders indicating the reason for the request.

ARTICLE 14: SOURCES OF FUNDING

The Union will derive its funds from collection of membership Registration fee, Monthly subscriptions and may also receive Grants or subventions, Donations, Gifts, Bequeaths and other Grants; miscellaneous funds i.e. from sales of a sets, consultancy services, publications, special levies, fund – raising activities, research, Science, Innovations and any other lawful means such as borrowing, among others.

ARTICLE 15: UGANDA SCIENTISTS, RESEARCHERS AND ALLIED WORKERS’ UNION – USRAWU

Financial Instructions

Without prejudice to generality of the foregoing provisions of these rules, the funds of the Scientists, Researchers labour Union shall be handled in the following manner;

Cash Book

1. Income

1. The National Executive Committee shall cause a bank account (s) to be opened and maintained in the names of the Union and shall ensure that all funds belonging to the Union received by the National Treasurer are paid into the said bank account(s) within 48 hours of receipt of such money, provided that the National Treasurer shall be permitted to retain a cash imprest which shall be determined by the National Executive Committee to pay minor expenses.
2. All Cheques for withdraws shall be signed by the National Treasurer and the General Secretary or National Chairman and or any one of the National Committee members as shall be determined by NEC.
3. The Branch Treasurer shall be permitted to receive and account for any cash imprest as shall from time to time be determined by the National Executive Committee to pay minor expenses. This shall come from the percentage due to the branch and other sources.
4. ) Ordinary Branch expenditure shall be paid from the Union fund requisitioned for, from the National Treasurer with the approval of NEC.
5. The Union shall operate a separate bank account in case of any contributory provident funds or pension fund scheme for the Union.
6. A receipt in any prescribed form (which includes a carbon copy duplicate) shall be given for every remittance of cash received from whatever source and whatever purpose by USRAWU
7. Books of printed receipt shall be serially numbered, shall be controlled by the Union National Treasurer and shall be used in a strict numerical sequence.
8. Receipt books shall be issued on signatures to authorized person only and the counter – foils of all issued receipts shall be surrendered to the General Secretary on completion of each book and shall be held by him/ her until audited.
9. Adequate arrangements shall be made for the collection and prompt remittance of cash by any person authorized on behalf of the Union National Treasurer to collect such cash.
10. Cash collection shall be brought promptly to the account in the relevant cash book and no money shall be spent on hand at any point, which has not been entered.
11. An official receipt shall be issued to the government Department or firm concerned to cover the total cash remitted each month under the “check–off” system. There shall be one cash book entry per remittance, but remittance must be recorded in detail.

ARTICLE 16: EXPENDITURE:

1. Payments shall be made when due and shall be promptly in the cash book
2. A receipt must support every payment, invoice and/ or such documents as may be required to support the amount paid out.
3. Payments shall normally be made by cheque unless they are of such small amount or of such a nature, e.g. wages, that payment in cash is preferable.
4. The signatures of the receipts shall support all payments in cash
5. Payment vouchers shall support payment of salaries and wages
6. Rates of salaries and wages shall be agreed by the National Executive Committee and recorded in the minutes of the meetings at which such decisions are reached.
7. Any other method determined by the NEC from time to time.

1. Cash book

1. The cash book, in the form prescribed, shall be entered daily and totaled and balanced monthly.
2. Each receipt entry shall be supported by an official receipt whose number shall be recorded in the relevant column.
3. Each payment entry shall be supported by an original invoice (and/or) supporting documents which shall be given a serial number starting from 1st January of each year and progressing upwards throughout the year. Such serial number shall be recorded in the relevant column.
4. Receipts of cash (or checks until paid into the bank) shall be entered in the cash column on receipts’ side of the cash book.
5. Payment in cash shall be entered in the cash column on the payment side of the cash book
6. Money drawn by USRAWU from the Bank shall be recorded as a control entry i.e. in the cash column on the receipts’ side of the cash book
7. Money paid into the Bank, whether in cash or by cheques or a mixture of both, shall be entered in the Bank column on the payment side of the cash book.
8. If the Union National Treasurer does not write up the books of account himself/herself, he/she shall personally check all cash books entries not 31 less than one Month and shall sign and date the cash book at the point of check as evidence of having done so

THE CONSTITUTION OF UGANDA SCIENTISTS, RESEARCHERS AND ALLIED WORKERS’ UNION (USRAWU)

PREAMBLE:

BELIEVING: In unity, being the solid front to build a strong, service oriented, self-sustaining labour union/organization through the management of viable subscribing shop branches at all levels;

BELIEVING: In solidarity, to achieve a dynamic employment environment facilitating the enactment and enforcement of acceptable labour laws/standards and employment policies for sustainable human and trade Union rights of all scientists, researchers and the allied workforce in Uganda.

WHEREAS; It is constitutional right and necessary that a workforce has full freedom of association and a right to belong to a Labour Union of his/her choice as enshrined in the Uganda Constitution of 1995 (as amended) article 29 (1) (e), article 40 (3) and 1948 article 2 ILO Convention 87 to protect and to promote his/her human and trade Union rights and he/she shall be free from interference, restraint, intimidation, or coercion from employers or his/her agents;

WHEREAS; The organization of workers into labour Unions has been demonstrated to be and is essential to economic, social and political freedom of society and to the successful functioning of democracy to ensure that workers shall live and work without discrimination or exploitation as further enshrined in ILO Convention 98 and;

WHEREAS; the natural right of those who labour is to enjoy to the fullest extent the fruits of their labour and since it is impossible to obtain to the full reward of labour except by uniting in the labour Union established upon its sound principles.

We declare our solidarity and unity under the Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied Workers’ Union, and its activities shall be governed by this Constitution, in which the term “USRAWU” shall be understood to mean the Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied Workers’ Union.

DEFINITION:

In this Constitution, the following definition shall guide, unless the context shall otherwise admit;

“Labour Union” means a labour Union registered under the labour unions Act, 2006;

“Employee” means any person who has entered into a contract of service or an apprenticeship contract, including without limitation, any person who is employed by or for the Government of Uganda, including the Uganda Public Service, a local authority or a parastatal organization but excludes a number of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces as per the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995 (as amended).

“Casual Employee” means a person who works on a daily or hourly basis where payment of wages is due at the completion of work as per employment contract;

“Union Members” means a member of a Labour Union or other organization representative of the interests of workers;

“Employer” means any person or group of person, including a company or corporation, a public, regional or local authority, a governing body of an unincorporated association, a partnership, parastatal organization or other institution or organization whatsoever, for whom an employee works or has worked, or normally worked or sought to work, under a contract of service, and includes the successors, assignees and transferors of any person or group of persons for whom an employee works, has worked or normally works:

“Strike” mean the go slow or the sit down by a body of person employed and acting in combination, or a concerted refusal or a refusal under a common understanding, of any number of persons employed to continue to work for an employer in consequence of a dispute, done as means of compelling the employer, or to aid to other employees, to accept or not to accept terms or conditions affecting the employee;

“Contract of Service” means any contract, whether oral or in writing, whether express or implied, where a person agrees in return for remuneration, to work for an employer and includes a contract of apprenticeship;

“Light work” means work that is not physically, mentally, socially injurious to the child;

“Recruitment” includes all operations undertaken with the object of obtaining or supplying the labour of persons who do not continuously offer their services at the place of employment;

“Termination of Employment” means the discharge of an employee from an employment at the initiative of the employer for justifiable reasons other than misconduct, such as, expiry of contract, attainment of retirement age, etc.;

“Dismissal from Employment” means the discharge of an employee from employment at the initiative of his/her employer when the said employee has committed verifiable misconduct;

“Forced and Compulsory Labour” means all work or service which is extracted from any person under the threat of a penalty, including the threat of any loss of rights or privileges and for which that person has not offered himself or herself voluntarily;

“Labour Officer” means the Commissioner or a District labour officer;

“Industrial Court” means the industrial court established by the Trade Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act, 2006

“Public Service” means service by or for the Government of Uganda and include persons employed in the public service, parastatal organizations and local authorities, but does not include a member of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces;

“Calendar year” shall mean the Gregorian calendar year as from 1st January to 31st December

“Financial year” shall mean the period between 1st January to 31st December

“Membership fee” shall mean the amount of money paid on the entry as entry fee and the subsequent monthly subscriptions or contributions.

“USRAWU” shall mean the Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied Workers Union.

“Officer” shall mean an appointed office bearer of USRAWU.

“Official” shall mean an elected office bearer of USRAWU.

ARTICLE 1:

TITLE :

The Labour Union Constituted by those rules shall be known as “The Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied workers’ Union” hereinafter referred to as “The Union” or (USRAWU).

ARTICLE 2:

REGISTERED OFFICE AND ADDRESS

The Registered Head office of the Union shall be located at Kampala or any other place determined by the National Executive Committee and the Quinquennial Delegate Conference (QDC). The Union office shall be the place for conducting the business of the Union.

ARTICLE 3:

OBJECTIVES

1. To promote, protect and uphold the dignity, morale, efficiency and the good name of the Uganda Scientists and Researchers at all times.
2. To promote the interest, rights, powers and privileges of those persons engaged in the science and research work for both the Government and in the private sectors in Uganda; to provide their status, to assert, 6 enforce and defend or to assist in asserting, enforcing and defending rights of such a person aforesaid as a group.
3. To co-operate and or affiliate to or be affiliated with other similar organizations within and outside Uganda including the National Labour Centre with a view of common, uniform or joint actions and functions on matters of common interest whenever necessary or desirable.
4. To ensure that scientists and researchers are made aware of impending changes and to ensure that Government takes into consideration the views of scientists and researchers as expressed by the Union on their behalf.
5. To provide a machinery for negotiation with the Government and/ or employers in the private sector, with a view to obtaining just and proper rates of wages, salaries , allowances, working hours, training facilities, promotions, advancements and other conditions of service and to promote the settlement of disputes arising between employees and the employers of the Government or private employers and vice versa by reconciliation, arbitration or otherwise and generally to safeguard the interest of members of the Union including the right to strike as necessary and any other rights as per laws established.
6. To provide a forum of mutual dialogue, co-operation, assistance and friendship among the scientists, researchers and the related staff as they perform their duties.
7. To protect, promote and defend the peculiar values, interest and the arising problems faced by the sector professionals, women and other disadvantaged groups and their support staff.
8. To acquire either by purchase, lease or otherwise and movable or immovable properties or other assets and sale, let or mortgage or change or otherwise assets with or dispose off such movable properties belonging to the Union.
9. To carry out all such lawful things as are incidental or co-ducive to the attainment of the above objectives or any of them.
10. The Union shall form branches and they will carry out such activities as mentioned by this Constitution.

ARTICLE 4: MEMBERSHIP

1. The eligible member of the Union irrespective of race, creed, colour, sex or profession shall be any person working in the science and research fields and/or sectors both in the public and private sectors.
2. However, the National Executive Committee of the Union may at its discretion allow a member to retain his membership of the Union not withstanding a change of appointment subsequent to his original admission.
3. Application for membership shall be made on the Union’s prescribed application and/or Declaration Form and shall be submitted to the office of the General Secretary for consideration.
4. Upon admission to membership, the member shall be bound by this constitution and rules, resolutions and decisions of the National Executive Committee and the Delegate conference and other relevant organs of the Union.
5. Rights and privileges of each member shall be person to holder and shall not be transferable by his/her own act or by operation of law and every person admitted to the Union shall be deemed to belong thereto, until his/her name shall have been removed from the register of members for a reasonable cause, or up to end of the year in which he/she resigns.
6. Every member shall be entitled to his/her right to a secret ballot in taking decisions on any matter of the Union.
7. Any member may resign on giving one month’s written notice to the General Secretary who shall upon receipt of such a notice investigate 8 the cause and if satisfied, shall notify the employer to stop Union dues deduction of that member. Prior to such notice, the member shall pay any outstanding subscription and other liabilities due from him/her.
8. Any member who loses his qualifications for membership as prescribed by this Constitution, or who is guilty of misconduct which prejudicially affects the welfare/well being of the Union, may be required to resign his/her membership by the votes of the majority the members of the National Executive Committee present at its sitting
9. Any such member so called upon to resign shall have the right to appeal to next annual or special delegates’ conference, the decision of which shall be final.
10. If notice of appeal is not given in written to the General Secretary within one month from the date of receipt of the notification of the decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC), then the National Executive Committee shall have power to remove the member’s name from the register and such a member shall forfeit all claim(s) upon the funds or property of the Union.
11. Upon a requisition in writing of not less than ten members, other than the members of the National Executive Committee, the committee shall at its next sitting consider resolve any charge or matter which may be brought against any member with a view to taking action under this article, provided that notification thereof has been given on the notice within 14 days at the sitting of the National Executive Committee.
12. Any member shall cease to belong to the Union in the event of his or her annual subscriptions being in the arrears without justifiable grounds or reasons for three months from the date the arrears become payable. The National Executive Committee may in special cases suspend the operations of this Article

ARTICLE 5:

MEMBERSHIP FEE AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

1. Every eligible person shall be required to pay a non–refundable membership fee to be determined by the delegate conference on applications for membership. Once registered, he/she shall be required to contribute a monthly subscription fee of 2% of his/her monthly gross salary to the Union as per the Labour Unions Act, 2006. There shall be a percentage of (20%) remitted to the branch upon its monthly remittance.
2. Under no circumstances shall any membership fee or subscriptions paid to the Union be refunded.

ARTICLE 6:

THE QUINQUENNIAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE

1. The National Executive Committee’s power shall be vested in the Quinquennial Delegates Conference hereinafter referred to as the “QDC” which shall have vested authority to determine policy direction of the Union.
2. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall have power to alter, amend, rescind or add anything in this constitution and or other rules made under the provisions of this constitution
3. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall be called at a time and in such a way as to ensure the maximum attendance and participation of the members of the Union, with due regard to financial considerations and length of the conference. Any case at least once annually
4. ) The National Executive Council shall submit to Quinquennial Delegates Conference reports, financial statements, auditors’ reports and amendments or proposed amendments to this Constitution and the rules made thereunder.
5. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall be held every five years on expiry of the term of office of the National Executive Council. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall review the work of the NEC and determine the general policy of the Union for the ending period and shall give all necessary and appropriate direction and authority to the NEC for carrying out of the conference decisions.
6. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall have powers to expel, suspend, and terminate any official or member from office or from membership or from entitlement to any benefits provided for in this Constitution and or as per settlement mechanisms in force.
7. The venue for Quinquennial and or annual Delegates Conference shall be decided by the NEC.
8. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall have power to fill any vacancy and to elect National office bearers

ARTICLE 7: ANNUAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE

1. The annual Delegates Conference of the Union shall be the supreme authority of the Union.
2. The annual Delegates Conference shall be held at least once every year not later than three months from the dairy of the Union’s financial year at such a time and place as may be decided upon by the National Executive Committee.
3. The annual Delegates Conference shall be convened by the General Secretary by giving 30 days notice in writing to branches of the Union with the Agenda.
4. Annual Delegates Conference shall consist of the members of the National Executive Committee, delegates from branches and Trustee board who should be paid up.
5. Every branch of the Union shall be entitled to send to the Annual Delegates Conference 100 members and/or as may be determined from time to time by the NEC.
6. Notice of motions for the Annual Delegates Conference shall be circulated by the General Secretary 14 days before the date of the meeting. The final Agenda for the Conference will be circulated by the General Secretary at the beginning of the conference.
7. The quorum of the Annual Delegates Conference shall be 1/3 of the registered branches eligible to vote and be voted for and being paid up members.

ARTICLE 8: SPECIAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE

1. A Special Delegates Conference shall be convened by the General Secretary on the directives of the National Executive Committee or at a written request of not less than 2/3 of the fully paid up members of the Union branches of whom shall be required to sign each requisition provided that the maximum number of the Delegates Conference shall not exceed two in any calendar year from the date of the previous annual Delegates Conference.
2. A Special Delegates Conference shall have all powers of an Annual Delegates Conference and it shall be governed by the same rules as to its composition, quorum and procedure.
3. If for any reason, the General Secretary, upon receipt of such request fails to convene a special Delegates Conference within 30 days the members requesting such a conference shall have the right to request NEC to convene the conference.

ARTCLE 9: THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

1. The National Executive Committee shall be collectively responsible for the management of the affairs of the Union.
2. The National Executive Committee shall consist of;- The National Chairperson, The National Vice Chairperson; The General Secretary; The Deputy General Secretary; The National Treasurer; The Assistant National Treasurer; The National Organizing Secretary for recruitment of members; The National Secretary for Education, Training and Research, The Program officer, The Secretary for public relations, Dispute/Grievance; The National Women Leader; The Secretary For youth Affairs; Four National Committee Members and three National Trustee.
3. The National Executive Committee shall meet at least Six times in a year.
4. Between the Delegates’ Conferences, all decisions of the National Executive Committee made shall be binding on the Union and on each of its officials, officers and members.
5. All acts done by any meeting of the National Executive Committee or by any member of the National Executive Committee in pursuance of the Union objectives shall notwithstanding that it be afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment or election of the National Executive Committee or any of its members, that they or anyone of them were disqualified be as valid as if the National Executive Committee or member who had been duly appointed or elected and was qualified to act as such.
6. The quorum for the National Executive Committee shall be at least 2/3 of all its members.
7. Between the Delegates Conference, the National Executive Committee shall interpret the rules and articles of the Constitution where the Constitution is silent and such interpretation will be bidding.
8. Any post that falls vacant at the National Executive Committee caused by the death, resignation, expulsion or transfer of a member shall be filled by the remaining members of the NEC pending confirmation by the Annual Delegates Conference.
9. The National Executive Committee shall consult the board of Trustees to appoint such other committees or sub – committees as may be considered necessary.
10. Any member of the National Executive Committee shall Vacate his/her seat on the committee if he/she absent three consecutive meetings of the committee without National Chairman’s permission from the.
11. The NEC shall have the powers to determine the specific duties and mode of day to day operations of officers not specifically provided for in the constitution.

ARTICLE 10: ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF OFFICE BEARERS

1. The National office bearers shall be elected after a term of five years by secret ballot at the Quinquennial Delegates Conference (QDC).
2. Only such members of the Union not in arrears with their subscriptions as stipulated in Article 4 above shall be eligible for election to serve the Union
3. Every National Office holder of the Union shall vacate his/her office at the fifth Annual Delegates Conference or Quinquennial Delegates Conference to which he/she was elected but shall be eligible for re– election.
4. The General Secretary shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Union and the Chief spokesman at the Conferences and meetings subject to the instructions of the National Executive Committee. He/She shall be responsible for the Union’s property, Staff and records. He/She shall always ensure that the constitution, rules and regulations are adhered to by the members and organs of the Union. 14 He/She shall serve either on full time basis or on honorary basis and on such terms and conditions of service as the National Executive Committee may decide subject to approval by the Delegates conference. He/She shall be responsible for the efficient conduct of the secretariat of the Union.
5. Any National office holder of the Union may be suspended from the office by majority decision of the National Executive Committee subject to the approval by the next Delegates Conference.
6. In the event of more than five National office holder of the Union dying, resigning, being dismissed or otherwise ceasing to be National Office holders during the period between two Annual Delegates Conference, special Delegates Conference in accordance with the provisions of Articles 8 above shall be convened to elect new office holders to fill the vacancies.

ARTICLES 11: DUTIES OF NATIONAL OFFICE BEARERS

1. The National Chairperson

The National Chairperson shall be elected by secret ballot at the Quinquennial Delegates Conference of the Union, from amongst the Delegates, and his/her term of office shall be five years and also will be eligible for re- election

1. He/she must have been a member of the union for at least 5 years in active leadership at any level of Union administration at or above the branch level or have been employed by Union in an elective office for at least 5 years.
2. He/she shall have qualifications of at least A’ level or its equivalent.
3. He/she shall chair National Conferences and NEC meetings and at the meetings he/she shall have a casting vote.
4. He/she may be called upon to support the representation of the union positions in branches and any other level/organ.
5. He/she shall ensure the efficient functioning of NEC meetings and committees by ensuring that the Agendas are circulated in advance of meetings, that venues are booked.
6. He/she shall ensure that the Union operates according to its policies and constitution and shall protect the interest of the Union and shall have powers to convene a meeting of the NEC and, or National Conference upon being requested by 2/3 of the membership of NEC, to consider the matter at hand in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
7. He/she shall be responsible for the proper conduct of the business on all occasion and shall sign the minutes together with the General Secretary at the time they are approved and shall in conjunction with the General Secretary, the National Treasurer or any other Officer authorized by the NEC sign Cheques and other financial documents.
8. Shall be one of the signatories to Bank Accounts.
9. The National Chairperson shall monitor the effective of the NEC and committees and make recommendations for improvement.
10. The National Chairperson shall attend where requested by the NEC negotiations with outside bodies or with branches.
11. He/she shall represent the Union as and when appropriate.

2: National Vice – Chairperson die

The Vice National Chairperson, he/she shall be elected by secret ballot from amongst the Delegates of the National Conference for five year term, and shall be eligible for re- election.

1. He/she must have been a member of the Union for the last three years in active leadership at recognized level or must have been employed by the Union for at least three years.
2. The National vice Chairperson shall deputize the National Chairperson in all functions as and when required and shall carry out his duties in accordance with the constitution.
3. Shall where necessary accompany the National Chairperson on official duties.

3: Board of Trustees:

There shall be board of Trustees consisting of three founder members of the Union these three Trustees shall be elected at the Quinqeunnial Delegates Congress every after Five (5) years and approved by the registrar of Labour Unions. No Trustee apart from the bank shall be eligible for election to office unless he/she have been a member of the Union.

1. Four members of the Executive committee shall be incorporated to the Trustee Board in meetings.
2. A Trustee may be removed from office if in the opinion of the founder members; on ground of misconduct. He/She shall however, have the right to appeal to the next Delegate Conference against the decision.
3. A Trustee shall where the NEC deems it fit be one of the signatories of the Union Account on behalf of the Union.
4. Shall chair meetings in the absence of the chair person and Vice Chairperson.

4: Council Members:

During the Quinquennial Delegates Conference (QDC), there shall be elected 8 council members whose terms of reference shall from time to time be determined by the NEC.

1. Council members shall help to coordinate activities of the Union in their respective branches and the regions under the Union’ jurisdiction.
2. Council members shall conduct their General business in accordance with the NEC roles and obligations as approved under Article 6 and 4 of this Constitution.

5: Appointed Officers of the Union:

1. The officers provided for under this Article, shall be management under the General Secretary appointed on full time basis on such terms and conditions of service as the board of Trustee may determine.

6: The General Secretary

1. The General Secretary shall be elected by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference on the full time basis where terms and conditions of service are well defined by the NEC with the approval of the QDC.
2. The General Secretary must have been an active Trade Unionists for a period of not less than ten years, and in addition must be person with integrity and sound knowledge of Trade Unionism and shall have been in the active Union leadership at a senior administrative level above the Branch.
3. The General Secretary shall be the Chief Executive officer of the Union and shall be a full time officer.
4. The General Secretary shall have the right to attend and speak at Congresses of the Union, NEC, group Conferences, Regional Councils and Branch Meetings.
5. The General Secretary shall be the principle signatory to all Accounts of the Union and have duties, rights and powers and responsibilities commensurate with the post of the principle accounting officer for the Union and shall be responsible for all Union affairs, staff and properties.
6. The General Secretary shall act under the directive of NEC and shall be the Chief spokesperson of the Union at the Conferences and meetings of relevant organs of the Union.
7. The General Secretary shall handle all correspondences and transact the day to day business of the Union in accordance with the rules and provisions of the QDC, ADC and NEC
8. He/ she shall be in charge and shall supervise the paid officials of the Union and his remuneration shall be fixed by the NEC.
9. Shall be the official spokesperson of the Union and in conjunction with the National Chairperson, shall be responsible for issuing statements on behalf of the Union.
10. He/She shall be in charge of the General administration and affairs of the Union.
11. He/She shall coordinate and supervise the operation of the Secretariat and shall chair staff management meetings at the Secretariat.
12. He/She shall prepare organizational report to relevant organs of the Union.
13. He/She shall convene the QDC, ADC, NEC and National Secretariat meetings to discuss the Union affairs with the view of taking decisions.

14. He/ She shall propose to the NEC for recruitment of other Union officials below and draw a proposal of engaging staff at salaries and allowances as shall be determined by National Executive Council (NEC).

    1. Education, Training and Research officer
    2. Support Staff
    3. Economic and Development officer
    4. Program Officer

7: Other Officials will include:-

1. Occupational Safety and Health
2. Legal Officer/Advisor
3. Public Relations and editorial officer
4. Finance Administrator
5. External Relations Coordinator

8: Deputy General Secretary

The Deputy General Secretary shall be elected by secret ballot by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference for a five (5) year term of office and shall be eligible for re–election and may be a full time officer, and his/her remuneration shall be fixed by the NEC.

1. He/She must have been a member of the Union for at least three years and above in active leadership at the recognized level of the Union branches or must have been employed by the Union in an elective office for at three years and must be a person with integrity.
2. He/ She shall be a senior officer of the Union and shall deputize the General Secretary in the management of the day to day business of the Union.
3. He/She shall be directly responsible to the General Secretary and act as General Secretary on his/her instructions or in the absence or unavailability of the General Secretary.
4. He/She shall work hand in hand with the General Secretary to coordinate Union affairs in branches and regions; shall be a senior supervisor of the Union activities in accordance with this Constitution.

9: National Treasurer

1. He/She shall be a part time Official elected by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference from amongst the delegates for a five year term of office and shall be eligible for re–election.
2. He/She shall initiate activities or programs for income generating activities and shall be paid allowances to be determined by the NEC from time to time
3. He/She shall be the Chief Finance officer of the Union and custodian of relevant financial documents and shall be responsible for all moneys received by the Union.
4. The National Treasurer shall ensure that the Union’s finances are accounted for and managed in accordance with this Constitution and other law in force affecting the labour Union.
5. He/She shall convene regular meetings of the finance committee to asses and monitor performance and to make relevant recommendations to the NEC.
6. He/She shall ensure that all payments made by the Union and all expenditures incurred are in accordance with approved budget by NEC.
7. The National Treasurer shall ensure that Region Councils and branches operate financial systems in conformity with Unions financial regulations and standards.
8. The National Treasure shall liaise closely with the Secretariat of the Union to assist in ensuring that the National office operates the most efficient subscription collection system is effective and other fund donations to the Union is properly.
9. The Treasurer shall advise the NEC and National conference on the best use, investment and accounting of the Union funds.

10: The Deputy Treasurer

1. Shall be elected from amongst the delegates at the National Conference for a five year term of office by secret ballot.
2. He/She shall deputize the National Treasurer or act as National Treasurer on his/her instructions.

11: The National Secretary for Women, Youth and PWDs Affairs

1. There shall be Women committees, Youth Committees and PWDs Committees established from union branches to National level.
2. The Secretary Women, Youth and PWDs Affairs shall be elected from amongst the delegates for a five years term at the National Delegates Conference and shall be eligible for re–election.
3. Shall ensure support for Women, youth and PWD members in representing their case through branch committees according to the Constitution and its arrangement with the National Labour Union 21 Center, and shall promote gender mainstreaming in all Union activities.
4. Shall monitor policies and practice regarding gender equality and shall promote effective dissemination of information, facilitate the development of new ideas, policies and practices regarding Women, Youth and PWD affairs and their representation.
5. Shall promote the interest and support the work of Women, Youth and PWD committees in relation to the Union as a whole and work towards networking with Women, Youth and PWDs organizations.
6. Shall examine the restrictions and constraints that Women, Youth and PWD workers encounter in every day life and effect change where necessary for the benefit of the Women, Youth and PWDs of the folk within the Union.
7. Shall organize the Women committee to act as an effective pressure group on the behalf of the Women folk where necessary and to promote interest of the Unionized Women.
8. Shall liaise with the National organizing and Education Secretary over recruitment, education and training of Women workers, and shall assist the National organizing and Education Secretary in ensuring that appropriate training is delivered through out the USRAWU Union Women workers.
9. Shall produce appropriate policy paper as and when required and shall advise Women committees and individuals, by referring their grievances to the appropriate organ of the Union.
10. Shall ensure that the Women Committee meets as appropriate and that records on Women affairs are properly kept and shall also ensure that reports are given to the General Secretary, on the progress of the committees, for consideration by the NEC
11. Shall take instruction and directives from the General Secretary in the execution of her powers and duties as provided under this Constitution.
12. Any other duties a signed from time to time by NEC.

12: Secretary for Organizing, Recruitment of Members

1. He/She shall be a part time official, elected by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference from amongst the Delegates for a five year term of office and shall be eligible for re–election.
2. He/She must have been a member of the Union for at least three years in the active leadership at recognized level and as shop stewards from Union branches.
3. Shall be the in charge of mobilization and recruiting of members.
4. He/she shall work in collaboration with the Secretary for Education, Training and Research and the General Secretary.
5. The organizing and recruitment officer must have got at least the knowledge of Trade Union through regular training to equip himself/herself with the facts about his/her Union organization and also to be able to interpret those facts well to potential members who may wish to join the Union

13: Secretary for Education, Training and Research

1. The Secretary for Education, Training and Research shall be elected by secret ballot by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference for a five (5) year term of office and shall be eligible for re–election.
2. He/She shall be a senior officer in charge of education, Training and research in the Union.
3. He/She must have been a member of the Union for at least three to five years in active leadership at any level of the Union with a 23 minimum qualification of Degree or Diploma in the related fields of eduction.
4. He/she shall work in collaboration with the Secretary for recruitment and the General Secretary.
5. The National Secretary for Education, Training and Research shall carry out field operations for the Union.
6. He/She shall report to the General Secretary.

14. Legal Officer/Advisor

1. ) He/she shall be appointed or recruited by NEC and Trustee board and shall have a minimum qualification of a degree, diploma in law practice or advocate.
2. He/she shall advise the Union on legal matters and shall handle all cases of Union members who have been affected in all forms.
3. He/she shall be responsible officer for all national and international legal matters in whatever form and shall be knowledgeable to interpret laws and related ILO Conventions i.e. the National Constitution, Labour Unions Acts, Employment Acts, Labour disputes arbitration and settlement Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act, the workers compensation Act with statutory instruments, etc.

15: Program Officer

1. He/she shall be appointed/recruited by NEC and shall have a minimum qualification of a degree and above in the related field.
2. He/she shall prepare programs of workshops and training of members for the union.
3. He/she shall be responsible officer for all national and International programs in the union.
4. He/She shall be paid a salary and allowances under he/her contract determined by the National Executive Committee
5. He/She shall report to the General Secretary.

16: Secretary for Dispute and Grievances/Publication & Editorial Officer

1. The Annual Delegates Conference shall elect a mature person knowledgeable with Trade Unions/Labour movement and grievance handling in the union.
2. He/She shall be responsible for handling and settling grievances in the Union structures at both National and international levels.
3. He/She shall be a part time Official, elected by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference from amongst the Delegates for a five term of office and shall be eligible for re–election by secret ballot.
4. Shall handle all disputes and grievances and report to the General Secretary for further action of which he/she shall refer such cases to legal officer for advise.
5. The Secretary for disputes and grievances must have been employed in the public service for at least a maximum of five years, with a minimum qualification at least a Diploma and above from a recognized Institution in the related field and shall liaise with the General Secretary for consideration, reports to the National Executive Council.
6. Shall coordinate all related matters as above to the Union organ from branch and region levels.

17: National Secretary for Youth Affairs

1. There shall be youth committee established from shops branches to National level and the chairperson at each level shall be the Youth leader. The Secretary for Youth Affairs shall be the National Youth Leader.
2. The Secretary Youth Affairs shall be elected from amongst the Delegates for a five year term at the National Delegates Conference and shall be eligible for re–election.
3. Shall ensure support for Youth members in representing their cases through Branch committees in accordance with the Union Constitution in line with the National Labour Union Center, and shall link and source youth projects from both Local and International levels.
4. Shall monitor policies and practice regarding Youth activities and shall promote effective dissemination of information, facilitate the development of new Ideas, policies and practice in regard to Youth affairs and their representation.
5. Shall promote the interest and support to the youth committees in relation to the Union as a whole and work towards the creation of National youth Networks.
6. Shall examine the restrictions and constraints that youth encounter in every day life and effect change where necessary for the benefit of the youth.
7. Shall organize the youth committees to act as an effective pressure group on the behalf of the youth folk where necessary and in the interest of the Union.
8. Shall liaise with the National organizing Secretary, mobilization and recruitment over recruitment and also liaise with the Secretary for education, training and research for training of Youth workers, and shall assist the National organizing educational Secretary in ensuring that appropriate training is delivered through out the Union.
9. Shall produce appropriate policy paper as and when required and shall advise Youth committees and individuals, by referring their grievances to appropriate organ of the Union.
10. Shall ensure that the Youth committees meet as appropriate and that records on Youth affairs are properly kept and also ensure that reports 26 are given to the General Secretary, on the progress of the committees, for consideration by the NEC.
11. Shall take instructions and directives from the General Secretary in the Execution of he/ her powers and duties as provided under this constitution.

18: Trustees

1. The Annual Delegates Conference shall elect three mature persons of high integrity as Trustees in who shall jointly be vested all the property of the Union.
2. Whenever a vacancy shall occur between two Annual Delegates Conferences.
3. In the office of a Trustee by reason of death, resignation or absence from the country, the National Executive Committee shall nominate another person to fill such a vacancy. The person nominated to fill such a vacancy shall be subject to the approval of the next Annual Delegates Conference or Special Delegates Conference whichever is earlier.

19: Employees

The National Executive Committee may engage such employees as it may from time to time deem fit and shall determine their remunerations and terms and conditions of service.

ARTICLE 12: ORGANIZATION OF BRANCHES OF THE UNION

1. The Union may establish Branches throughout the Country in its area of jurisdiction and both in the public and private sector of employment.
2. Any branch shall be named or called “The Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied Workers’ Union Branch” or USRAWU Branch.
3. The objectives and operations of a branch of the Union shall be the same as those of the Union.

ARTICLE 13: BRANCH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

1. Every branch of the Union shall have a Branch Executive Committee (BEC) consisting of a Branch Chairperson (Chief Shop steward), a deputy Chairperson, a Branch Secretary, a Branch Treasurer, a Branch Women Leader and two members. There may also be other Branch Shop stewards depending on the size of the branch as shall be determined by the General Secretary.
2. The Branch Executive Committee shall be elected at an Annual General Meeting of the members of the branch and shall hold office for Two years and upon the expiry of such period, any member of the retiring branch Executive Committee shall be eligible for re – election. The election shall be by secret ballot and/or as may be determined by the members at the meeting.
3. Meeting of the Branch Executive Committee shall be held at least once in every two Months.
4. The Annual General Meetings of branches shall be held not later than a Month from the end of the Union’s financial year.
5. Special General Meetings of Branches may be held at such time as may be considered necessary by the Branch Executive Committee and shall also be held on the request in writing to the General Secretary by the branch leaders indicating the reason for the request.

ARTICLE 14: SOURCES OF FUNDING

The Union will derive its funds from collection of membership Registration fee, Monthly subscriptions and may also receive Grants or subventions, Donations, Gifts, Bequeaths and other Grants; miscellaneous funds i.e. from sales of a sets, consultancy services, publications, special levies, fund – raising activities, research, Science, Innovations and any other lawful means such as borrowing, among others.

ARTICLE 15: UGANDA SCIENTISTS, RESEARCHERS AND ALLIED WORKERS’ UNION – USRAWU

Financial Instructions

Without prejudice to generality of the foregoing provisions of these rules, the funds of the Scientists, Researchers labour Union shall be handled in the following manner;

Cash Book

1. Income

1. The National Executive Committee shall cause a bank account (s) to be opened and maintained in the names of the Union and shall ensure that all funds belonging to the Union received by the National Treasurer are paid into the said bank account(s) within 48 hours of receipt of such money, provided that the National Treasurer shall be permitted to retain a cash imprest which shall be determined by the National Executive Committee to pay minor expenses.
2. All Cheques for withdraws shall be signed by the National Treasurer and the General Secretary or National Chairman and or any one of the National Committee members as shall be determined by NEC.
3. The Branch Treasurer shall be permitted to receive and account for any cash imprest as shall from time to time be determined by the National Executive Committee to pay minor expenses. This shall come from the percentage due to the branch and other sources.
4. ) Ordinary Branch expenditure shall be paid from the Union fund requisitioned for, from the National Treasurer with the approval of NEC.
5. The Union shall operate a separate bank account in case of any contributory provident funds or pension fund scheme for the Union.
6. A receipt in any prescribed form (which includes a carbon copy duplicate) shall be given for every remittance of cash received from whatever source and whatever purpose by USRAWU
7. Books of printed receipt shall be serially numbered, shall be controlled by the Union National Treasurer and shall be used in a strict numerical sequence.
8. Receipt books shall be issued on signatures to authorized person only and the counter – foils of all issued receipts shall be surrendered to the General Secretary on completion of each book and shall be held by him/ her until audited.
9. Adequate arrangements shall be made for the collection and prompt remittance of cash by any person authorized on behalf of the Union National Treasurer to collect such cash.
10. Cash collection shall be brought promptly to the account in the relevant cash book and no money shall be spent on hand at any point, which has not been entered.
11. An official receipt shall be issued to the government Department or firm concerned to cover the total cash remitted each month under the “check–off” system. There shall be one cash book entry per remittance, but remittance must be recorded in detail.

ARTICLE 16: EXPENDITURE:

1. Payments shall be made when due and shall be promptly in the cash book
2. A receipt must support every payment, invoice and/ or such documents as may be required to support the amount paid out.
3. Payments shall normally be made by cheque unless they are of such small amount or of such a nature, e.g. wages, that payment in cash is preferable.
4. The signatures of the receipts shall support all payments in cash
5. Payment vouchers shall support payment of salaries and wages
6. Rates of salaries and wages shall be agreed by the National Executive Committee and recorded in the minutes of the meetings at which such decisions are reached.
7. Any other method determined by the NEC from time to time.

1. Cash book

1. The cash book, in the form prescribed, shall be entered daily and totaled and balanced monthly.
2. Each receipt entry shall be supported by an official receipt whose number shall be recorded in the relevant column.
3. Each payment entry shall be supported by an original invoice (and/or) supporting documents which shall be given a serial number starting from 1st January of each year and progressing upwards throughout the year. Such serial number shall be recorded in the relevant column.
4. Receipts of cash (or checks until paid into the bank) shall be entered in the cash column on receipts’ side of the cash book.
5. Payment in cash shall be entered in the cash column on the payment side of the cash book
6. Money drawn by USRAWU from the Bank shall be recorded as a control entry i.e. in the cash column on the receipts’ side of the cash book
7. Money paid into the Bank, whether in cash or by cheques or a mixture of both, shall be entered in the Bank column on the payment side of the cash book.
8. If the Union National Treasurer does not write up the books of account himself/herself, he/she shall personally check all cash books entries not 31 less than one Month and shall sign and date the cash book at the point of check as evidence of having done so

THE CONSTITUTION OF UGANDA SCIENTISTS, RESEARCHERS AND ALLIED WORKERS’ UNION (USRAWU)

PREAMBLE:

BELIEVING: In unity, being the solid front to build a strong, service oriented, self-sustaining labour union/organization through the management of viable subscribing shop branches at all levels;

BELIEVING: In solidarity, to achieve a dynamic employment environment facilitating the enactment and enforcement of acceptable labour laws/standards and employment policies for sustainable human and trade Union rights of all scientists, researchers and the allied workforce in Uganda.

WHEREAS; It is constitutional right and necessary that a workforce has full freedom of association and a right to belong to a Labour Union of his/her choice as enshrined in the Uganda Constitution of 1995 (as amended) article 29 (1) (e), article 40 (3) and 1948 article 2 ILO Convention 87 to protect and to promote his/her human and trade Union rights and he/she shall be free from interference, restraint, intimidation, or coercion from employers or his/her agents;

WHEREAS; The organization of workers into labour Unions has been demonstrated to be and is essential to economic, social and political freedom of society and to the successful functioning of democracy to ensure that workers shall live and work without discrimination or exploitation as further enshrined in ILO Convention 98 and;

WHEREAS; the natural right of those who labour is to enjoy to the fullest extent the fruits of their labour and since it is impossible to obtain to the full reward of labour except by uniting in the labour Union established upon its sound principles.

We declare our solidarity and unity under the Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied Workers’ Union, and its activities shall be governed by this Constitution, in which the term “USRAWU” shall be understood to mean the Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied Workers’ Union.

DEFINITION:

In this Constitution, the following definition shall guide, unless the context shall otherwise admit;

“Labour Union” means a labour Union registered under the labour unions Act, 2006;

“Employee” means any person who has entered into a contract of service or an apprenticeship contract, including without limitation, any person who is employed by or for the Government of Uganda, including the Uganda Public Service, a local authority or a parastatal organization but excludes a number of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces as per the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995 (as amended).

“Casual Employee” means a person who works on a daily or hourly basis where payment of wages is due at the completion of work as per employment contract;

“Union Members” means a member of a Labour Union or other organization representative of the interests of workers;

“Employer” means any person or group of person, including a company or corporation, a public, regional or local authority, a governing body of an unincorporated association, a partnership, parastatal organization or other institution or organization whatsoever, for whom an employee works or has worked, or normally worked or sought to work, under a contract of service, and includes the successors, assignees and transferors of any person or group of persons for whom an employee works, has worked or normally works:

“Strike” mean the go slow or the sit down by a body of person employed and acting in combination, or a concerted refusal or a refusal under a common understanding, of any number of persons employed to continue to work for an employer in consequence of a dispute, done as means of compelling the employer, or to aid to other employees, to accept or not to accept terms or conditions affecting the employee;

“Contract of Service” means any contract, whether oral or in writing, whether express or implied, where a person agrees in return for remuneration, to work for an employer and includes a contract of apprenticeship;

“Light work” means work that is not physically, mentally, socially injurious to the child;

“Recruitment” includes all operations undertaken with the object of obtaining or supplying the labour of persons who do not continuously offer their services at the place of employment;

“Termination of Employment” means the discharge of an employee from an employment at the initiative of the employer for justifiable reasons other than misconduct, such as, expiry of contract, attainment of retirement age, etc.;

“Dismissal from Employment” means the discharge of an employee from employment at the initiative of his/her employer when the said employee has committed verifiable misconduct;

“Forced and Compulsory Labour” means all work or service which is extracted from any person under the threat of a penalty, including the threat of any loss of rights or privileges and for which that person has not offered himself or herself voluntarily;

“Labour Officer” means the Commissioner or a District labour officer;

“Industrial Court” means the industrial court established by the Trade Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act, 2006

“Public Service” means service by or for the Government of Uganda and include persons employed in the public service, parastatal organizations and local authorities, but does not include a member of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces;

“Calendar year” shall mean the Gregorian calendar year as from 1st January to 31st December

“Financial year” shall mean the period between 1st January to 31st December

“Membership fee” shall mean the amount of money paid on the entry as entry fee and the subsequent monthly subscriptions or contributions.

“USRAWU” shall mean the Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied Workers Union.

“Officer” shall mean an appointed office bearer of USRAWU.

“Official” shall mean an elected office bearer of USRAWU.

ARTICLE 1:

TITLE :

The Labour Union Constituted by those rules shall be known as “The Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied workers’ Union” hereinafter referred to as “The Union” or (USRAWU).

ARTICLE 2:

REGISTERED OFFICE AND ADDRESS

The Registered Head office of the Union shall be located at Kampala or any other place determined by the National Executive Committee and the Quinquennial Delegate Conference (QDC). The Union office shall be the place for conducting the business of the Union.

ARTICLE 3:

OBJECTIVES

1. To promote, protect and uphold the dignity, morale, efficiency and the good name of the Uganda Scientists and Researchers at all times.
2. To promote the interest, rights, powers and privileges of those persons engaged in the science and research work for both the Government and in the private sectors in Uganda; to provide their status, to assert, 6 enforce and defend or to assist in asserting, enforcing and defending rights of such a person aforesaid as a group.
3. To co-operate and or affiliate to or be affiliated with other similar organizations within and outside Uganda including the National Labour Centre with a view of common, uniform or joint actions and functions on matters of common interest whenever necessary or desirable.
4. To ensure that scientists and researchers are made aware of impending changes and to ensure that Government takes into consideration the views of scientists and researchers as expressed by the Union on their behalf.
5. To provide a machinery for negotiation with the Government and/ or employers in the private sector, with a view to obtaining just and proper rates of wages, salaries , allowances, working hours, training facilities, promotions, advancements and other conditions of service and to promote the settlement of disputes arising between employees and the employers of the Government or private employers and vice versa by reconciliation, arbitration or otherwise and generally to safeguard the interest of members of the Union including the right to strike as necessary and any other rights as per laws established.
6. To provide a forum of mutual dialogue, co-operation, assistance and friendship among the scientists, researchers and the related staff as they perform their duties.
7. To protect, promote and defend the peculiar values, interest and the arising problems faced by the sector professionals, women and other disadvantaged groups and their support staff.
8. To acquire either by purchase, lease or otherwise and movable or immovable properties or other assets and sale, let or mortgage or change or otherwise assets with or dispose off such movable properties belonging to the Union.
9. To carry out all such lawful things as are incidental or co-ducive to the attainment of the above objectives or any of them.
10. The Union shall form branches and they will carry out such activities as mentioned by this Constitution.

ARTICLE 4: MEMBERSHIP

1. The eligible member of the Union irrespective of race, creed, colour, sex or profession shall be any person working in the science and research fields and/or sectors both in the public and private sectors.
2. However, the National Executive Committee of the Union may at its discretion allow a member to retain his membership of the Union not withstanding a change of appointment subsequent to his original admission.
3. Application for membership shall be made on the Union’s prescribed application and/or Declaration Form and shall be submitted to the office of the General Secretary for consideration.
4. Upon admission to membership, the member shall be bound by this constitution and rules, resolutions and decisions of the National Executive Committee and the Delegate conference and other relevant organs of the Union.
5. Rights and privileges of each member shall be person to holder and shall not be transferable by his/her own act or by operation of law and every person admitted to the Union shall be deemed to belong thereto, until his/her name shall have been removed from the register of members for a reasonable cause, or up to end of the year in which he/she resigns.
6. Every member shall be entitled to his/her right to a secret ballot in taking decisions on any matter of the Union.
7. Any member may resign on giving one month’s written notice to the General Secretary who shall upon receipt of such a notice investigate 8 the cause and if satisfied, shall notify the employer to stop Union dues deduction of that member. Prior to such notice, the member shall pay any outstanding subscription and other liabilities due from him/her.
8. Any member who loses his qualifications for membership as prescribed by this Constitution, or who is guilty of misconduct which prejudicially affects the welfare/well being of the Union, may be required to resign his/her membership by the votes of the majority the members of the National Executive Committee present at its sitting
9. Any such member so called upon to resign shall have the right to appeal to next annual or special delegates’ conference, the decision of which shall be final.
10. If notice of appeal is not given in written to the General Secretary within one month from the date of receipt of the notification of the decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC), then the National Executive Committee shall have power to remove the member’s name from the register and such a member shall forfeit all claim(s) upon the funds or property of the Union.
11. Upon a requisition in writing of not less than ten members, other than the members of the National Executive Committee, the committee shall at its next sitting consider resolve any charge or matter which may be brought against any member with a view to taking action under this article, provided that notification thereof has been given on the notice within 14 days at the sitting of the National Executive Committee.
12. Any member shall cease to belong to the Union in the event of his or her annual subscriptions being in the arrears without justifiable grounds or reasons for three months from the date the arrears become payable. The National Executive Committee may in special cases suspend the operations of this Article

ARTICLE 5:

MEMBERSHIP FEE AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

1. Every eligible person shall be required to pay a non–refundable membership fee to be determined by the delegate conference on applications for membership. Once registered, he/she shall be required to contribute a monthly subscription fee of 2% of his/her monthly gross salary to the Union as per the Labour Unions Act, 2006. There shall be a percentage of (20%) remitted to the branch upon its monthly remittance.
2. Under no circumstances shall any membership fee or subscriptions paid to the Union be refunded.

ARTICLE 6:

THE QUINQUENNIAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE

1. The National Executive Committee’s power shall be vested in the Quinquennial Delegates Conference hereinafter referred to as the “QDC” which shall have vested authority to determine policy direction of the Union.
2. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall have power to alter, amend, rescind or add anything in this constitution and or other rules made under the provisions of this constitution
3. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall be called at a time and in such a way as to ensure the maximum attendance and participation of the members of the Union, with due regard to financial considerations and length of the conference. Any case at least once annually
4. ) The National Executive Council shall submit to Quinquennial Delegates Conference reports, financial statements, auditors’ reports and amendments or proposed amendments to this Constitution and the rules made thereunder.
5. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall be held every five years on expiry of the term of office of the National Executive Council. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall review the work of the NEC and determine the general policy of the Union for the ending period and shall give all necessary and appropriate direction and authority to the NEC for carrying out of the conference decisions.
6. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall have powers to expel, suspend, and terminate any official or member from office or from membership or from entitlement to any benefits provided for in this Constitution and or as per settlement mechanisms in force.
7. The venue for Quinquennial and or annual Delegates Conference shall be decided by the NEC.
8. The Quinquennial Delegates Conference shall have power to fill any vacancy and to elect National office bearers

ARTICLE 7: ANNUAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE

1. The annual Delegates Conference of the Union shall be the supreme authority of the Union.
2. The annual Delegates Conference shall be held at least once every year not later than three months from the dairy of the Union’s financial year at such a time and place as may be decided upon by the National Executive Committee.
3. The annual Delegates Conference shall be convened by the General Secretary by giving 30 days notice in writing to branches of the Union with the Agenda.
4. Annual Delegates Conference shall consist of the members of the National Executive Committee, delegates from branches and Trustee board who should be paid up.
5. Every branch of the Union shall be entitled to send to the Annual Delegates Conference 100 members and/or as may be determined from time to time by the NEC.
6. Notice of motions for the Annual Delegates Conference shall be circulated by the General Secretary 14 days before the date of the meeting. The final Agenda for the Conference will be circulated by the General Secretary at the beginning of the conference.
7. The quorum of the Annual Delegates Conference shall be 1/3 of the registered branches eligible to vote and be voted for and being paid up members.

ARTICLE 8: SPECIAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE

1. A Special Delegates Conference shall be convened by the General Secretary on the directives of the National Executive Committee or at a written request of not less than 2/3 of the fully paid up members of the Union branches of whom shall be required to sign each requisition provided that the maximum number of the Delegates Conference shall not exceed two in any calendar year from the date of the previous annual Delegates Conference.
2. A Special Delegates Conference shall have all powers of an Annual Delegates Conference and it shall be governed by the same rules as to its composition, quorum and procedure.
3. If for any reason, the General Secretary, upon receipt of such request fails to convene a special Delegates Conference within 30 days the members requesting such a conference shall have the right to request NEC to convene the conference.

ARTCLE 9: THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

1. The National Executive Committee shall be collectively responsible for the management of the affairs of the Union.
2. The National Executive Committee shall consist of;- The National Chairperson, The National Vice Chairperson; The General Secretary; The Deputy General Secretary; The National Treasurer; The Assistant National Treasurer; The National Organizing Secretary for recruitment of members; The National Secretary for Education, Training and Research, The Program officer, The Secretary for public relations, Dispute/Grievance; The National Women Leader; The Secretary For youth Affairs; Four National Committee Members and three National Trustee.
3. The National Executive Committee shall meet at least Six times in a year.
4. Between the Delegates’ Conferences, all decisions of the National Executive Committee made shall be binding on the Union and on each of its officials, officers and members.
5. All acts done by any meeting of the National Executive Committee or by any member of the National Executive Committee in pursuance of the Union objectives shall notwithstanding that it be afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment or election of the National Executive Committee or any of its members, that they or anyone of them were disqualified be as valid as if the National Executive Committee or member who had been duly appointed or elected and was qualified to act as such.
6. The quorum for the National Executive Committee shall be at least 2/3 of all its members.
7. Between the Delegates Conference, the National Executive Committee shall interpret the rules and articles of the Constitution where the Constitution is silent and such interpretation will be bidding.
8. Any post that falls vacant at the National Executive Committee caused by the death, resignation, expulsion or transfer of a member shall be filled by the remaining members of the NEC pending confirmation by the Annual Delegates Conference.
9. The National Executive Committee shall consult the board of Trustees to appoint such other committees or sub – committees as may be considered necessary.
10. Any member of the National Executive Committee shall Vacate his/her seat on the committee if he/she absent three consecutive meetings of the committee without National Chairman’s permission from the.
11. The NEC shall have the powers to determine the specific duties and mode of day to day operations of officers not specifically provided for in the constitution.

ARTICLE 10: ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF OFFICE BEARERS

1. The National office bearers shall be elected after a term of five years by secret ballot at the Quinquennial Delegates Conference (QDC).
2. Only such members of the Union not in arrears with their subscriptions as stipulated in Article 4 above shall be eligible for election to serve the Union
3. Every National Office holder of the Union shall vacate his/her office at the fifth Annual Delegates Conference or Quinquennial Delegates Conference to which he/she was elected but shall be eligible for re– election.
4. The General Secretary shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Union and the Chief spokesman at the Conferences and meetings subject to the instructions of the National Executive Committee. He/She shall be responsible for the Union’s property, Staff and records. He/She shall always ensure that the constitution, rules and regulations are adhered to by the members and organs of the Union. 14 He/She shall serve either on full time basis or on honorary basis and on such terms and conditions of service as the National Executive Committee may decide subject to approval by the Delegates conference. He/She shall be responsible for the efficient conduct of the secretariat of the Union.
5. Any National office holder of the Union may be suspended from the office by majority decision of the National Executive Committee subject to the approval by the next Delegates Conference.
6. In the event of more than five National office holder of the Union dying, resigning, being dismissed or otherwise ceasing to be National Office holders during the period between two Annual Delegates Conference, special Delegates Conference in accordance with the provisions of Articles 8 above shall be convened to elect new office holders to fill the vacancies.

ARTICLES 11: DUTIES OF NATIONAL OFFICE BEARERS

1. The National Chairperson

The National Chairperson shall be elected by secret ballot at the Quinquennial Delegates Conference of the Union, from amongst the Delegates, and his/her term of office shall be five years and also will be eligible for re- election

1. He/she must have been a member of the union for at least 5 years in active leadership at any level of Union administration at or above the branch level or have been employed by Union in an elective office for at least 5 years.
2. He/she shall have qualifications of at least A’ level or its equivalent.
3. He/she shall chair National Conferences and NEC meetings and at the meetings he/she shall have a casting vote.
4. He/she may be called upon to support the representation of the union positions in branches and any other level/organ.
5. He/she shall ensure the efficient functioning of NEC meetings and committees by ensuring that the Agendas are circulated in advance of meetings, that venues are booked.
6. He/she shall ensure that the Union operates according to its policies and constitution and shall protect the interest of the Union and shall have powers to convene a meeting of the NEC and, or National Conference upon being requested by 2/3 of the membership of NEC, to consider the matter at hand in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
7. He/she shall be responsible for the proper conduct of the business on all occasion and shall sign the minutes together with the General Secretary at the time they are approved and shall in conjunction with the General Secretary, the National Treasurer or any other Officer authorized by the NEC sign Cheques and other financial documents.
8. Shall be one of the signatories to Bank Accounts.
9. The National Chairperson shall monitor the effective of the NEC and committees and make recommendations for improvement.
10. The National Chairperson shall attend where requested by the NEC negotiations with outside bodies or with branches.
11. He/she shall represent the Union as and when appropriate.

2: National Vice – Chairperson die

The Vice National Chairperson, he/she shall be elected by secret ballot from amongst the Delegates of the National Conference for five year term, and shall be eligible for re- election.

1. He/she must have been a member of the Union for the last three years in active leadership at recognized level or must have been employed by the Union for at least three years.
2. The National vice Chairperson shall deputize the National Chairperson in all functions as and when required and shall carry out his duties in accordance with the constitution.
3. Shall where necessary accompany the National Chairperson on official duties.

3: Board of Trustees:

There shall be board of Trustees consisting of three founder members of the Union these three Trustees shall be elected at the Quinqeunnial Delegates Congress every after Five (5) years and approved by the registrar of Labour Unions. No Trustee apart from the bank shall be eligible for election to office unless he/she have been a member of the Union.

1. Four members of the Executive committee shall be incorporated to the Trustee Board in meetings.
2. A Trustee may be removed from office if in the opinion of the founder members; on ground of misconduct. He/She shall however, have the right to appeal to the next Delegate Conference against the decision.
3. A Trustee shall where the NEC deems it fit be one of the signatories of the Union Account on behalf of the Union.
4. Shall chair meetings in the absence of the chair person and Vice Chairperson.

4: Council Members:

During the Quinquennial Delegates Conference (QDC), there shall be elected 8 council members whose terms of reference shall from time to time be determined by the NEC.

1. Council members shall help to coordinate activities of the Union in their respective branches and the regions under the Union’ jurisdiction.
2. Council members shall conduct their General business in accordance with the NEC roles and obligations as approved under Article 6 and 4 of this Constitution.

5: Appointed Officers of the Union:

1. The officers provided for under this Article, shall be management under the General Secretary appointed on full time basis on such terms and conditions of service as the board of Trustee may determine.

6: The General Secretary

1. The General Secretary shall be elected by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference on the full time basis where terms and conditions of service are well defined by the NEC with the approval of the QDC.
2. The General Secretary must have been an active Trade Unionists for a period of not less than ten years, and in addition must be person with integrity and sound knowledge of Trade Unionism and shall have been in the active Union leadership at a senior administrative level above the Branch.
3. The General Secretary shall be the Chief Executive officer of the Union and shall be a full time officer.
4. The General Secretary shall have the right to attend and speak at Congresses of the Union, NEC, group Conferences, Regional Councils and Branch Meetings.
5. The General Secretary shall be the principle signatory to all Accounts of the Union and have duties, rights and powers and responsibilities commensurate with the post of the principle accounting officer for the Union and shall be responsible for all Union affairs, staff and properties.
6. The General Secretary shall act under the directive of NEC and shall be the Chief spokesperson of the Union at the Conferences and meetings of relevant organs of the Union.
7. The General Secretary shall handle all correspondences and transact the day to day business of the Union in accordance with the rules and provisions of the QDC, ADC and NEC
8. He/ she shall be in charge and shall supervise the paid officials of the Union and his remuneration shall be fixed by the NEC.
9. Shall be the official spokesperson of the Union and in conjunction with the National Chairperson, shall be responsible for issuing statements on behalf of the Union.
10. He/She shall be in charge of the General administration and affairs of the Union.
11. He/She shall coordinate and supervise the operation of the Secretariat and shall chair staff management meetings at the Secretariat.
12. He/She shall prepare organizational report to relevant organs of the Union.
13. He/She shall convene the QDC, ADC, NEC and National Secretariat meetings to discuss the Union affairs with the view of taking decisions.

14. He/ She shall propose to the NEC for recruitment of other Union officials below and draw a proposal of engaging staff at salaries and allowances as shall be determined by National Executive Council (NEC).

    1. Education, Training and Research officer
    2. Support Staff
    3. Economic and Development officer
    4. Program Officer

7: Other Officials will include:-

1. Occupational Safety and Health
2. Legal Officer/Advisor
3. Public Relations and editorial officer
4. Finance Administrator
5. External Relations Coordinator

8: Deputy General Secretary

The Deputy General Secretary shall be elected by secret ballot by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference for a five (5) year term of office and shall be eligible for re–election and may be a full time officer, and his/her remuneration shall be fixed by the NEC.

1. He/She must have been a member of the Union for at least three years and above in active leadership at the recognized level of the Union branches or must have been employed by the Union in an elective office for at three years and must be a person with integrity.
2. He/ She shall be a senior officer of the Union and shall deputize the General Secretary in the management of the day to day business of the Union.
3. He/She shall be directly responsible to the General Secretary and act as General Secretary on his/her instructions or in the absence or unavailability of the General Secretary.
4. He/She shall work hand in hand with the General Secretary to coordinate Union affairs in branches and regions; shall be a senior supervisor of the Union activities in accordance with this Constitution.

9: National Treasurer

1. He/She shall be a part time Official elected by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference from amongst the delegates for a five year term of office and shall be eligible for re–election.
2. He/She shall initiate activities or programs for income generating activities and shall be paid allowances to be determined by the NEC from time to time
3. He/She shall be the Chief Finance officer of the Union and custodian of relevant financial documents and shall be responsible for all moneys received by the Union.
4. The National Treasurer shall ensure that the Union’s finances are accounted for and managed in accordance with this Constitution and other law in force affecting the labour Union.
5. He/She shall convene regular meetings of the finance committee to asses and monitor performance and to make relevant recommendations to the NEC.
6. He/She shall ensure that all payments made by the Union and all expenditures incurred are in accordance with approved budget by NEC.
7. The National Treasurer shall ensure that Region Councils and branches operate financial systems in conformity with Unions financial regulations and standards.
8. The National Treasure shall liaise closely with the Secretariat of the Union to assist in ensuring that the National office operates the most efficient subscription collection system is effective and other fund donations to the Union is properly.
9. The Treasurer shall advise the NEC and National conference on the best use, investment and accounting of the Union funds.

10: The Deputy Treasurer

1. Shall be elected from amongst the delegates at the National Conference for a five year term of office by secret ballot.
2. He/She shall deputize the National Treasurer or act as National Treasurer on his/her instructions.

11: The National Secretary for Women, Youth and PWDs Affairs

1. There shall be Women committees, Youth Committees and PWDs Committees established from union branches to National level.
2. The Secretary Women, Youth and PWDs Affairs shall be elected from amongst the delegates for a five years term at the National Delegates Conference and shall be eligible for re–election.
3. Shall ensure support for Women, youth and PWD members in representing their case through branch committees according to the Constitution and its arrangement with the National Labour Union 21 Center, and shall promote gender mainstreaming in all Union activities.
4. Shall monitor policies and practice regarding gender equality and shall promote effective dissemination of information, facilitate the development of new ideas, policies and practices regarding Women, Youth and PWD affairs and their representation.
5. Shall promote the interest and support the work of Women, Youth and PWD committees in relation to the Union as a whole and work towards networking with Women, Youth and PWDs organizations.
6. Shall examine the restrictions and constraints that Women, Youth and PWD workers encounter in every day life and effect change where necessary for the benefit of the Women, Youth and PWDs of the folk within the Union.
7. Shall organize the Women committee to act as an effective pressure group on the behalf of the Women folk where necessary and to promote interest of the Unionized Women.
8. Shall liaise with the National organizing and Education Secretary over recruitment, education and training of Women workers, and shall assist the National organizing and Education Secretary in ensuring that appropriate training is delivered through out the USRAWU Union Women workers.
9. Shall produce appropriate policy paper as and when required and shall advise Women committees and individuals, by referring their grievances to the appropriate organ of the Union.
10. Shall ensure that the Women Committee meets as appropriate and that records on Women affairs are properly kept and shall also ensure that reports are given to the General Secretary, on the progress of the committees, for consideration by the NEC
11. Shall take instruction and directives from the General Secretary in the execution of her powers and duties as provided under this Constitution.
12. Any other duties a signed from time to time by NEC.

12: Secretary for Organizing, Recruitment of Members

1. He/She shall be a part time official, elected by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference from amongst the Delegates for a five year term of office and shall be eligible for re–election.
2. He/She must have been a member of the Union for at least three years in the active leadership at recognized level and as shop stewards from Union branches.
3. Shall be the in charge of mobilization and recruiting of members.
4. He/she shall work in collaboration with the Secretary for Education, Training and Research and the General Secretary.
5. The organizing and recruitment officer must have got at least the knowledge of Trade Union through regular training to equip himself/herself with the facts about his/her Union organization and also to be able to interpret those facts well to potential members who may wish to join the Union

13: Secretary for Education, Training and Research

1. The Secretary for Education, Training and Research shall be elected by secret ballot by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference for a five (5) year term of office and shall be eligible for re–election.
2. He/She shall be a senior officer in charge of education, Training and research in the Union.
3. He/She must have been a member of the Union for at least three to five years in active leadership at any level of the Union with a 23 minimum qualification of Degree or Diploma in the related fields of eduction.
4. He/she shall work in collaboration with the Secretary for recruitment and the General Secretary.
5. The National Secretary for Education, Training and Research shall carry out field operations for the Union.
6. He/She shall report to the General Secretary.

14. Legal Officer/Advisor

1. ) He/she shall be appointed or recruited by NEC and Trustee board and shall have a minimum qualification of a degree, diploma in law practice or advocate.
2. He/she shall advise the Union on legal matters and shall handle all cases of Union members who have been affected in all forms.
3. He/she shall be responsible officer for all national and international legal matters in whatever form and shall be knowledgeable to interpret laws and related ILO Conventions i.e. the National Constitution, Labour Unions Acts, Employment Acts, Labour disputes arbitration and settlement Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act, the workers compensation Act with statutory instruments, etc.

15: Program Officer

1. He/she shall be appointed/recruited by NEC and shall have a minimum qualification of a degree and above in the related field.
2. He/she shall prepare programs of workshops and training of members for the union.
3. He/she shall be responsible officer for all national and International programs in the union.
4. He/She shall be paid a salary and allowances under he/her contract determined by the National Executive Committee
5. He/She shall report to the General Secretary.

16: Secretary for Dispute and Grievances/Publication & Editorial Officer

1. The Annual Delegates Conference shall elect a mature person knowledgeable with Trade Unions/Labour movement and grievance handling in the union.
2. He/She shall be responsible for handling and settling grievances in the Union structures at both National and international levels.
3. He/She shall be a part time Official, elected by the Quinquennial Delegates Conference from amongst the Delegates for a five term of office and shall be eligible for re–election by secret ballot.
4. Shall handle all disputes and grievances and report to the General Secretary for further action of which he/she shall refer such cases to legal officer for advise.
5. The Secretary for disputes and grievances must have been employed in the public service for at least a maximum of five years, with a minimum qualification at least a Diploma and above from a recognized Institution in the related field and shall liaise with the General Secretary for consideration, reports to the National Executive Council.
6. Shall coordinate all related matters as above to the Union organ from branch and region levels.

17: National Secretary for Youth Affairs

1. There shall be youth committee established from shops branches to National level and the chairperson at each level shall be the Youth leader. The Secretary for Youth Affairs shall be the National Youth Leader.
2. The Secretary Youth Affairs shall be elected from amongst the Delegates for a five year term at the National Delegates Conference and shall be eligible for re–election.
3. Shall ensure support for Youth members in representing their cases through Branch committees in accordance with the Union Constitution in line with the National Labour Union Center, and shall link and source youth projects from both Local and International levels.
4. Shall monitor policies and practice regarding Youth activities and shall promote effective dissemination of information, facilitate the development of new Ideas, policies and practice in regard to Youth affairs and their representation.
5. Shall promote the interest and support to the youth committees in relation to the Union as a whole and work towards the creation of National youth Networks.
6. Shall examine the restrictions and constraints that youth encounter in every day life and effect change where necessary for the benefit of the youth.
7. Shall organize the youth committees to act as an effective pressure group on the behalf of the youth folk where necessary and in the interest of the Union.
8. Shall liaise with the National organizing Secretary, mobilization and recruitment over recruitment and also liaise with the Secretary for education, training and research for training of Youth workers, and shall assist the National organizing educational Secretary in ensuring that appropriate training is delivered through out the Union.
9. Shall produce appropriate policy paper as and when required and shall advise Youth committees and individuals, by referring their grievances to appropriate organ of the Union.
10. Shall ensure that the Youth committees meet as appropriate and that records on Youth affairs are properly kept and also ensure that reports 26 are given to the General Secretary, on the progress of the committees, for consideration by the NEC.
11. Shall take instructions and directives from the General Secretary in the Execution of he/ her powers and duties as provided under this constitution.

18: Trustees

1. The Annual Delegates Conference shall elect three mature persons of high integrity as Trustees in who shall jointly be vested all the property of the Union.
2. Whenever a vacancy shall occur between two Annual Delegates Conferences.
3. In the office of a Trustee by reason of death, resignation or absence from the country, the National Executive Committee shall nominate another person to fill such a vacancy. The person nominated to fill such a vacancy shall be subject to the approval of the next Annual Delegates Conference or Special Delegates Conference whichever is earlier.

19: Employees

The National Executive Committee may engage such employees as it may from time to time deem fit and shall determine their remunerations and terms and conditions of service.

ARTICLE 12: ORGANIZATION OF BRANCHES OF THE UNION

1. The Union may establish Branches throughout the Country in its area of jurisdiction and both in the public and private sector of employment.
2. Any branch shall be named or called “The Uganda Scientists, Researchers and Allied Workers’ Union Branch” or USRAWU Branch.
3. The objectives and operations of a branch of the Union shall be the same as those of the Union.

ARTICLE 13: BRANCH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

1. Every branch of the Union shall have a Branch Executive Committee (BEC) consisting of a Branch Chairperson (Chief Shop steward), a deputy Chairperson, a Branch Secretary, a Branch Treasurer, a Branch Women Leader and two members. There may also be other Branch Shop stewards depending on the size of the branch as shall be determined by the General Secretary.
2. The Branch Executive Committee shall be elected at an Annual General Meeting of the members of the branch and shall hold office for Two years and upon the expiry of such period, any member of the retiring branch Executive Committee shall be eligible for re – election. The election shall be by secret ballot and/or as may be determined by the members at the meeting.
3. Meeting of the Branch Executive Committee shall be held at least once in every two Months.
4. The Annual General Meetings of branches shall be held not later than a Month from the end of the Union’s financial year.
5. Special General Meetings of Branches may be held at such time as may be considered necessary by the Branch Executive Committee and shall also be held on the request in writing to the General Secretary by the branch leaders indicating the reason for the request.

ARTICLE 14: SOURCES OF FUNDING

The Union will derive its funds from collection of membership Registration fee, Monthly subscriptions and may also receive Grants or subventions, Donations, Gifts, Bequeaths and other Grants; miscellaneous funds i.e. from sales of a sets, consultancy services, publications, special levies, fund – raising activities, research, Science, Innovations and any other lawful means such as borrowing, among others.

ARTICLE 15: UGANDA SCIENTISTS, RESEARCHERS AND ALLIED WORKERS’ UNION – USRAWU

Financial Instructions

Without prejudice to generality of the foregoing provisions of these rules, the funds of the Scientists, Researchers labour Union shall be handled in the following manner;

Cash Book

1. Income

1. The National Executive Committee shall cause a bank account (s) to be opened and maintained in the names of the Union and shall ensure that all funds belonging to the Union received by the National Treasurer are paid into the said bank account(s) within 48 hours of receipt of such money, provided that the National Treasurer shall be permitted to retain a cash imprest which shall be determined by the National Executive Committee to pay minor expenses.
2. All Cheques for withdraws shall be signed by the National Treasurer and the General Secretary or National Chairman and or any one of the National Committee members as shall be determined by NEC.
3. The Branch Treasurer shall be permitted to receive and account for any cash imprest as shall from time to time be determined by the National Executive Committee to pay minor expenses. This shall come from the percentage due to the branch and other sources.
4. ) Ordinary Branch expenditure shall be paid from the Union fund requisitioned for, from the National Treasurer with the approval of NEC.
5. The Union shall operate a separate bank account in case of any contributory provident funds or pension fund scheme for the Union.
6. A receipt in any prescribed form (which includes a carbon copy duplicate) shall be given for every remittance of cash received from whatever source and whatever purpose by USRAWU
7. Books of printed receipt shall be serially numbered, shall be controlled by the Union National Treasurer and shall be used in a strict numerical sequence.
8. Receipt books shall be issued on signatures to authorized person only and the counter – foils of all issued receipts shall be surrendered to the General Secretary on completion of each book and shall be held by him/ her until audited.
9. Adequate arrangements shall be made for the collection and prompt remittance of cash by any person authorized on behalf of the Union National Treasurer to collect such cash.
10. Cash collection shall be brought promptly to the account in the relevant cash book and no money shall be spent on hand at any point, which has not been entered.
11. An official receipt shall be issued to the government Department or firm concerned to cover the total cash remitted each month under the “check–off” system. There shall be one cash book entry per remittance, but remittance must be recorded in detail.

ARTICLE 16: EXPENDITURE:

1. Payments shall be made when due and shall be promptly in the cash book
2. A receipt must support every payment, invoice and/ or such documents as may be required to support the amount paid out.
3. Payments shall normally be made by cheque unless they are of such small amount or of such a nature, e.g. wages, that payment in cash is preferable.
4. The signatures of the receipts shall support all payments in cash
5. Payment vouchers shall support payment of salaries and wages
6. Rates of salaries and wages shall be agreed by the National Executive Committee and recorded in the minutes of the meetings at which such decisions are reached.
7. Any other method determined by the NEC from time to time.

1. Cash book

1. The cash book, in the form prescribed, shall be entered daily and totaled and balanced monthly.
2. Each receipt entry shall be supported by an official receipt whose number shall be recorded in the relevant column.
3. Each payment entry shall be supported by an original invoice (and/or) supporting documents which shall be given a serial number starting from 1st January of each year and progressing upwards throughout the year. Such serial number shall be recorded in the relevant column.
4. Receipts of cash (or checks until paid into the bank) shall be entered in the cash column on receipts’ side of the cash book.
5. Payment in cash shall be entered in the cash column on the payment side of the cash book
6. Money drawn by USRAWU from the Bank shall be recorded as a control entry i.e. in the cash column on the receipts’ side of the cash book
7. Money paid into the Bank, whether in cash or by cheques or a mixture of both, shall be entered in the Bank column on the payment side of the cash book.
8. If the Union National Treasurer does not write up the books of account himself/herself, he/she shall personally check all cash books entries not 31 less than one Month and shall sign and date the cash book at the point of check as evidence of having done so