No reasons needed to fire workers – court

Uganda's Court of Appeal has ruled that employers can terminate the contracts of their employees at any time with or without any justifiable reasons. The court also ruled that when an emplyee's contract is terminated without reason, there is no need for a hearing, according to a report in The Observer. In a case between Nassanga Saphinah Kasule and Stanbic Bank, the court held that unless it was explicitly stated in the employment contract, as long as the employer gives notice or pays the salary of three months in lieu of the notice, the termination stands. The ruling was a unanimous decision written by Justice Christopher Gashirabake. According to court records, Nassanga was employed by Stanbic in 2001. However, her contract was terminated in 2012 without stating any reason. The bank paid her for three months in lieu of the notice of termination which was issued one day to the date when it would take effect. Dissatisfied, she filed a case with the Industrial Court which found that she had been wrongfully dismissed. The bank appealed this decision.