Ugandan Migrant Rights Advocate Kenneth Oloka Wins ‘Unsung Hero’ Award in Nairobi

What the report says

Ugandan migrant rights advocate Kenneth Oloka has been recognised in Nairobi for work focused on safer labour migration, worker protections and efforts to curb human trafficking. According to Nile Post, Oloka, who is associated with Kyeyo Initiative Uganda, received the “Unsung Hero Award” at the Wezesha Continental Impact Awards 2026, held on August 8 and 9 at Pride Inn Hotel and Convention Centre, Signature Mall in Nairobi, Kenya.

The award acknowledged more than a decade of advocacy with migrant workers, government agencies, media and civil society groups. His work has centred on promoting legal migration pathways, challenging exploitation by recruitment agents and pushing for better conditions for Ugandans and other African workers abroad. The report also noted his campaign against trafficking, which he said is often linked to irregular migration and poor access to information.

After receiving the honour, Oloka thanked the organisers and dedicated the award to migrant workers and the institutions and individuals involved in defending their rights. He said progress in labour migration depends on cooperation between workers, policymakers, the media and grassroots organisations. He also called for stronger oversight of recruitment agencies and better pre-departure training for people seeking work outside their home countries.

The Wezesha Continental Impact Awards spotlight Africans working in social change, including in governance, health, education and human rights. In this case, the organisers said the “Unsung Hero Award” was meant to recognise people whose influence is often behind the scenes but still has a direct impact on communities.