Ugandan migrant workers living in distress, government reveals

What the report says

Ugandan officials say many migrant workers abroad are facing serious hardship, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reporting a rising number of distress cases linked to labour externalisation. Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire told Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs that embassies and consular offices are receiving frequent complaints, particularly from Ugandans in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, where some workers are said to be detained, ill, or otherwise in urgent need of help.

Bagiire made the remarks on Monday, 3 August 2026, before the committee chaired by Grace Kwiyucwiny. He said the ministry is also dealing with cases involving repatriation, welfare support and allegations of human trafficking. According to the report, he urged stronger public sensitisation to warn Ugandans about risky recruitment offers and travel to conflict-affected countries. He also said the government faces funding constraints when trying to bring stranded citizens home.

The article notes that labour externalisation is overseen by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, which licenses labour export firms, and that the sector brings in significant remittances for Uganda. Even so, Foreign Affairs says it is often left to manage emergencies when workers run into trouble overseas. MPs on the committee called for more active protection of Ugandans working abroad and warned against repeated cases of incarceration and exploitation.

In a broader context, labour migration has become an important source of income for many Ugandan households, but it has also raised concerns across East Africa about recruitment abuses, poor working conditions and trafficking risks.