Tumukunde Warns Illegal Labour Exporters, Calls for Stronger Protection of Migrant Workers

What the report says

Nile Post reports that Gender, Labour and Social Development Minister Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde K has warned labour recruiters operating without licences that the government plans tougher enforcement against illegal recruitment. The report says Tumukunde made the remarks during a July 15 meeting with labour recruitment agencies at Imperial Royale Hotel, where he said inspections would be stepped up at company offices, airports and border points.

According to the outlet, Tumukunde described labour export as a significant source of jobs and income for Ugandans, but said it must be handled through authorised channels. He urged recruitment companies to form stronger associations so the government can engage the industry more easily, address sector challenges and improve accountability.

Nile Post also reported that the minister said the government is working on systems to track Ugandan migrant workers who have gone through legal processes, with the aim of helping authorities respond when workers face problems abroad. He further proposed accredited training centres to prepare workers before departure, citing structured pre-departure preparation in Ethiopia as a model Uganda could consider.

The issue matters because Uganda’s labour export sector offers income opportunities but has also raised concerns about worker protection, recruitment abuse and accountability. Based on the report, Tumukunde called for cooperation among state agencies, recruitment firms and other stakeholders to make the sector more transparent and better regulated while maintaining overseas employment pathways for Ugandans.