Kampala: Ugandan migrant workers who sought opportunities abroad are currently living in severe distress due to labor externalization pressures. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Vincent Bagiire, highlighted the increasing number of consular distress cases, repatriation, and welfare demands, particularly in the Gulf region.
According to African Press Organization, Bagiire noted that the ministry receives weekly communications from Saudi Arabia regarding Ugandans in distress. These communications report cases of individuals in prison, as well as those suffering from physical and mental health issues that require urgent attention. During a session with the Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Hon. Grace Kwiyucwiny, Bagiire emphasized the need for intensified sensitization campaigns to address the growing issue of human trafficking.
Concerns were raised by Hon. Robert Ssewagudde, the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Representative, who urged the ministry to intervene and protect Ugandan migrant workers from victimization and distress. Bagiire acknowledged that previous sensitization efforts have been insufficient and stressed the responsibility of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in implementing the anti-human trafficking law and conducting massive sensitization campaigns.
In Uganda, labor externalization, which contributes approximately US$2 billion in remittances, is regulated by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. This ministry is responsible for licensing labor export companies. However, Bagiire pointed out that the Foreign Affairs Ministry bears the burden of repatriating Ugandans facing harsh and exploitative working conditions, human trafficking, and more.
Bagiire highlighted specific cases, mentioning Ugandans arrested in Iraq. While authorities have shown willingness to release them, the challenge lies in the lack of resources for their repatriation, as there is no allocated budget for this purpose.