Social Protection: Ugandan Migrant Workers Need Shield

HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I   Uganda as a country has continued to rip big from export labour to foreign markets, particularly in the Middle East and parts of Asia. Because of the growing amount of remmittances, we need to safeguard this market by facing, head on, the issue of safety and welfare of these people, most of whom are young men and women employed in domestic and casual work.

The absence of strong protection mechanisms has exposed many workers to exploitation, abuse, and severe hardship.

I personally believe that beyond training and deployment, the country must urgently strengthen systems that protect migrant workers before departure, during their stay abroad, and upon return.

Research has indicated that whereas tens of thousands of Ugandans leave the country annually in search of better-paying jobs abroad, a significant number of these migrants operate in low-skilled sectors such as domestic work and private security—areas that are often poorly regulated and prone to labour rights violations.

Cases of abuse, including non-payment of wages, overwork, and physical mistreatment, remain widespread.

Many workers reported that upon arrival in host countries, their passports and personal documents were confiscated, leaving them powerless and unable to move freely.

Others said they were reassigned to different employers without their consent, making it difficult to trace or contact the recruitment agencies that facilitated their travel.

These findings underscore the urgent need for robust protection systems anchored in both policy and practice. While pre-departure training equips workers with basic skills and awareness, I should suggest that protection must go further—ensuring continuous monitoring, accessible complaint mechanisms, and coordinated institutional response.

One of the key gaps is the lack of an effective tracking and complaint system for migrant workers. Although the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and the Ministry of Internal Affairs register migrant workers before departure, there is limited follow-up once they leave the country.

Consultants have recommended the introduction of a digital monitoring tool linked to workers’ mobile phones. Such a system would allow migrants to send distress alerts in real time, enabling authorities in Uganda to respond swiftly.

If a worker presses an emergency button, the responsible offices should immediately know there is a problem and take action. This would save lives and reduce suffering.

Equally important is the need for stronger coordination between recruitment companies and government agencies. There is currently a significant disconnect between private labour export firms and state institutions, a situation which has created accountability gaps that leave workers vulnerable.

I strongly suggest a working relationship between companies, government ministries, and embassies. Right now, when workers face problems, it becomes difficult to trace who is responsible. That gap must be closed.

The role of Ugandan embassies abroad should also be strengthened. Testimonies from migrant workers suggest that diplomatic missions are often slow to respond—or in some cases, unresponsive—to distress calls.

Some workers reported spending weeks or even months seeking assistance from embassies without receiving meaningful support.

Labour attachés, where present, must be empowered to intervene quickly in cases of abuse, while clear communication channels should be established between migrants and diplomatic missions.

Protection of migrant workers must also address financial vulnerability. Despite earning incomes abroad, many workers return home with little or no savings. Experts attribute this to a lack of financial literacy, exploitation by intermediaries, and pressure from families to remit money.

I suggest establishment of systems to help workers manage their earnings. For instance, structured savings plans or monitored accounts could ensure that their money is not misused and that they benefit from their hard work.

The importance of this approach is amplified by Uganda’s demographic realities. With a youthful population and limited domestic employment opportunities, labour migration will likely continue to grow. Ensuring that this migration is safe, orderly, and beneficial is therefore a national priority.

Ultimately, protecting migrant workers is not just a matter of policy—it is a moral obligation. These workers leave their homes in search of better opportunities, often taking significant risks to support their families and contribute to the economy.

Without adequate protection, migrant worker’s journeys can turn into ordeals marked by suffering and loss. Strengthening systems for monitoring, response, and accountability—while enhancing collaboration between government, private sector, and international partners—will be key to safeguarding the dignity and rights of Ugandan migrant workers.