Minister Tumukunde Flags Critical Gaps in Uganda's Labour Export Sector

The Ugandan government’s oversight of its burgeoning labour export sector is facing critical scrutiny, with Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Henry Tumukunde, highlighting significant shortcomings. During a meeting with the Parliament Committee on Gender, Labour and Social Development, Minister Tumukunde voiced his worries about the nation’s ability to effectively monitor and safeguard the welfare of Ugandans working overseas.

He stressed that the current labour export program is insufficient, ending merely with the recruitment and deployment of workers. The minister argued for a more robust system that encompasses thorough pre-departure training, continuous monitoring of workers’ conditions abroad, and established mechanisms for providing assistance when issues arise. “How do you reach there?” he questioned, pointing to the inadequate facilitation for officials tasked with following up on migrant workers, which hinders effective government intervention.

Minister Tumukunde underscored the economic importance of labour export, noting the substantial remittances sent back by Ugandans working abroad. He lamented that this vital sector is often treated as a peripheral concern, despite its significant contribution to the national economy. This is particularly concerning given that approximately 5.5 million young Ugandans under the age of 30 are currently unemployed and not engaged in education or training.

The minister also raised the persistent issue of human trafficking, calling for strengthened controls involving multiple government institutions. He acknowledged internal weaknesses within the labour export system, including inadequate funding, fragmented service delivery, and weak oversight, which collectively undermine efforts to support vulnerable populations. “Are you really giving it enough time? Are you providing the appropriate budget that is supposed to take care of these very, very vulnerable people?” he probed the committee.

Concerns were also raised about the flow of funds, with funds earmarked for the Ministry of Gender being administered through other government institutions at the district level, leading to “technical fractures” in service delivery. Furthermore, limited resources for political supervision leave ministers and leaders unable to adequately monitor national programs. While some Members of Parliament acknowledged the minister’s concerns, others pointed to the ministry’s own underutilization of allocated funds. The committee members expressed their support for the minister’s efforts to secure more funding from Cabinet to address these pressing issues.

Source: Parliament of Uganda