Village health team threatens action over unpaid wages

17 March 2026, 10:57 am

By Alphonce Odur

Opali sub-county health workers have issued a two-day ultimatum for the payment of outstanding, months-old wages for mosquito net distribution, threatening to seize the sub-chief’s motorcycle and protest if unpaid, as reported.

In a dramatic turn of events, the health team of Opali sub-county has issued an ultimatum, threatening to seize the motorcycle belonging to their sub-chief unless payment for their work is made promptly.

The grievance stems from a perceived injustice regarding compensation for their contributions during the distribution of mosquito nets within the community.

From a total of seventy health team members, only twenty have received their due payments. Frustrated and unyielding, they claim to have actively pursued the issue for months, yet no favorable resolution has been reached.

They have now called on the relevant authorities to ensure that all payments are processed before Wednesday 18th.March.2026.

Okello Denish, a member of the health team, expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “Since we fulfilled our responsibilities in January, we have yet to receive our remuneration.” With tensions rising, he indicated that a protest at the sub-county headquarters could be imminent if their demands are not addressed.

Another volunteer health worker, Pasqueli, shared his struggles with the situation, revealing that he had borrowed a smartphone to comply with the requirements set forth by the authorities. “The owner of the phone is putting considerable pressure on me,” he lamented, highlighting the personal implications of their ongoing financial struggles.

The health team has reiterated their deadline, allowing only two days for the resolution of their payment issues, as they await a response from the sub-county authority.

However the District Health Officer Dr.Jimmy Odongo claims indeed the payment is being made by the sub county Chiefs urging the delay could be on the names submitted for mobile money transfer.

As of the time of this report, attempts to obtain a comment from the sub-county chief have been unsuccessful.

The community is left in suspense as the health workers demand justice for the work they have done.