Ugandan Migrant Workers Face Severe Distress Abroad, Ministry Highlights

Many Ugandans who have sought employment abroad are now finding themselves in dire situations, facing distress due to the pressures of labor externalization. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has noted a sharp increase in cases requiring consular intervention, repatriation, and welfare support, with a concentration of these issues reported in the Gulf states.

“We receive communications on a weekly basis from Saudi Arabia about Ugandans in distress. Some of them are in prison, others are physically and mentally ill and require urgent attention,” stated Hon. Vincent Bagiire, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These concerns were raised when Bagiire and his staff appeared before the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The committee, chaired by Hon. Grace Kwiyucwiny, had previously heard from Hon. Robert Ssewagudde, who highlighted the plight of migrant workers and sought ministry intervention. Bagiire acknowledged that while sensitization efforts have been made, they are insufficient. He pointed out that the Ministry of Internal Affairs holds primary responsibility for implementing anti-human trafficking laws and conducting widespread public awareness campaigns.

Although the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development regulates labor export companies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs often bears the burden of assisting citizens facing harsh conditions, exploitation, and human trafficking abroad. The cost of repatriating these distressed individuals presents a significant challenge, as resources for such operations are not consistently allocated.

There are also reports of Ugandans being arrested in countries like Iraq, with authorities indicating a willingness to release them, but the absence of repatriation funds hinders their return. The ministry stressed the importance of sensitizing Ugandans against traveling to volatile regions and warned that fellow Ugandans are often involved in trafficking their own countrymen.

Members of Parliament urged the government to prioritize the welfare and protection of its citizens working abroad, emphasizing the need for proactive measures rather than continued appeals for help. They noted that ambassadors are increasingly reporting difficulties in assisting incarcerated or distressed Ugandan nationals.