The Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development in Uganda is strategizing to enhance the country’s labour export market by establishing favorable bilateral agreements with additional nations. These countries include Oman, Somalia, Lebanon, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Mr. Lawrence Egulu, the commissioner overseeing employment services at the ministry, disclosed that Minister of Gender, Ms. Betty Amongi, recently inked a bilateral labour agreement with Qatar to facilitate safe migrant labor. Egulu highlighted the agreement’s provisions, emphasizing the demand for skilled workers such as drivers, security personnel, teachers, plumbers, and architects, in addition to domestic workers.
“Uganda is not solely a source of domestic workers. We aim to match the job categories with the skills prevalent in Uganda,” Egulu emphasized.
According to data from the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, a significant number of migrant workers—269,452—departed Uganda between 2016 and 2023 for employment opportunities in 11 countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and others. The majority of these workers were females, accounting for 225,693, while males numbered 43,759.
Saudi Arabia emerged as the primary destination for Ugandan migrant workers, primarily employed as housemaids. Despite security concerns, Somalia also attracted Ugandan workers, primarily in security roles.
Minister Amongi is slated to explore potential opportunities in the United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey, Germany, and Poland to secure better employment prospects for Ugandan laborers, offering improved salaries and working conditions.
Efforts to address mistreatment and enhance worker safety have yielded progress, evidenced by a decline in reported cases of abuse and fatalities among Ugandan migrant workers. The implementation of the External Employment Management System has facilitated monitoring and oversight of Ugandan workers abroad.
In 2023, the Ministry recorded 868 complaints from migrant workers, with the majority of cases resolved. Additionally, plans are underway to develop a mobile application to enable workers to report challenges promptly. This initiative aims to enhance communication and coordination between workers, foreign recruiters, authorities, and relevant agencies to ensure swift assistance in times of distress.
