national 3 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ugandan Migrant Workers Face Exploitation Amid Systemic Failures
Ugandan migrant workers, especially women heading to Gulf States, endure abuse, debt bondage, and justice barriers due to underfunded protections and lax recruitment oversight. Remittances hit $1.42 billion by January 2024, yet government programs receive minimal funding despite generating Shs30 billion in non-tax revenue annually. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/systemic-gaps-leave-ugandan-migrant-workers-stuck-in-rut-5412254
Ugandan migrant workers play a vital role in the economy, sending home $1.42 billion in remittances by January 2024 to fund education, healthcare, and businesses. However, weak systems leave them vulnerable to exploitation, particularly women in domestic roles in Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE.
Recruitment agencies face little regulation, charging fees far beyond legal limits—up to Shs500,000 despite a Shs20,000 cap. Workers suffer wage theft, document confiscation, gender-based violence, and isolation with few complaint options.
Embassies lack staff and funds, while tools like the External Employment Management Information System (EEMIS) see low uptake. Anti-trafficking activist Marriam Mwiza criticizes profiteers for ignoring international standards, calling it ‘modern slavery.’
Voices for Labour (VFL) report urges reforms: boost Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development funding, regulate agencies, expand embassy services, create welfare funds, ratify ILO standards, and negotiate bilateral agreements. VFL’s Robinah Kagoye pushes for more labour attachés, noting one for Saudi Arabia is insufficient.
From 2016-2024, 293,970 workers were placed abroad, mostly women in care sectors. Government earns Shs30 billion yearly from fees, but the Employment Services Programme gets just Shs2.299 billion.
Labour activist Juliet Kyomugisha hopes the VFL report sparks dialogue for better protections.
Source: Daily Monitor