Ugandan Migrant Workers Face Severe Distress Abroad

Ugandan migrant workers who ventured abroad for economic betterment are now facing dire circumstances, according to officials. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has highlighted a worrying trend of “labour externalisation pressure” leading to a sharp increase in consular distress cases, especially among those working in the Gulf.

Permanent Secretary Hon. Vincent Bagiire stated that the ministry receives weekly reports of Ugandans in distress from Saudi Arabia alone. These cases range from imprisonment to severe physical and mental illness, requiring urgent intervention. This situation emerged during a session where ministry officials appeared before the Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Hon. Grace Kwiyucwiny.

The concerns were initially raised by Hon. Robert Ssewagudde, who sought to understand the ministry’s actions to protect migrant workers from victimization. Hon. Bagiire acknowledged that while sensitization efforts have been made, they are insufficient. He emphasized that the Ministry of Internal Affairs is primarily responsible for implementing anti-human trafficking laws and conducting extensive public awareness campaigns to prevent Ugandans from falling prey to deceptive job offers.

Despite regulations governing labor externalization, which contributes significantly to the country’s remittances, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs often bears the brunt of repatriating citizens facing exploitation and human trafficking. Hon. Bagiire noted the challenge of repatriating Ugandans arrested in countries like Iraq due to a lack of allocated resources for such operations.

Furthermore, it was revealed that some Ugandans are actively involved in trafficking their own compatriots. The ministry plans to intensify campaigns against travel, particularly to conflict-ridden nations, citing the recent repatriation of hundreds from Myanmar. Members of Parliament have urged the government to prioritize the welfare and protection of its citizens working abroad, emphasizing that incarceration and distress are becoming alarmingly common.