"Holcim's Ugandan subsidiary accused of disregarding human rights and the environment"

Swiss cement maker Holcim is facing a formal complaint over alleged human rights violations and environmental damages linked to its subsidiary in Uganda. Holcim responded by stating that it follows high due diligence standards... Ugandan NGO Twerwaneho Listeners' Club (TLC) and local TV station Clouds FM filed the complaint in Switzerland the same day with the National Contact Point of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Switzerland, according to the same source. National Contact Points (NCPs) are offices set up by governments that have adhered to the OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises. “Despite constant protests against the negative consequences and ecological damage caused by the cement manufacturer's activities, Hima Cement has not engaged in any constructive dialogue to listen to the concerns of the communities concerned, nor has it provided any information on their claims,” the Society for Threatened PeoplesExternal link said in a press release issued on Wednesday...

...The Zug-based multinational told SWI that "Holcim operates according to the highest standards of governance, ethics and integrity with zero tolerance for any breaches across its business worldwide".

The Ugandan organisations focus on human rights and are defending communities affected by the activities of cement manufacturer Hima Cement, which sources pozzolan from Harugongo and Kicwamba in central-western Uganda, according to the Bern-based Society for Threatened Peoples. Holcim’s subsidiary in Uganda is accused of inaction in the face of complaints spanning a seven-year period and retaliatory measures against community members who raised due diligence issues.