Uganda expands labour export market with new bilateral agreements

This move aims to facilitate increased employment opportunities for Ugandan citizens abroad, the Uganda Monitor reports.

The countries included in the expansion plan are Oman, Somalia, Lebanon, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

The commissioner overseeing employment services at the ministry Lawrence Egulu, revealed that a recent bilateral labour agreement was signed between Uganda and Qatar, spearheaded by Minister of Gender, Betty Amongi. This agreement is geared towards ensuring the safe migration of workers.

Egulu highlighted the focus on skilled workers in these agreements, including drivers, security personnel, teachers, plumbers, and architects, diversifying the job categories beyond domestic work. He emphasized Uganda's capacity to provide skilled labour and move away from solely supplying domestic workers.

Statistics from the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development indicate that between 2016 and 2023, over 269,452 Ugandan migrant workers ventured to 11 countries for employment opportunities. Among these workers, females accounted for 225,693, while males numbered 43,759. Saudi Arabia emerged as the top destination, predominantly for domestic work.

Despite security concerns, Somalia has also attracted Ugandan workers, particularly in the security sector, with 3,254 migrants heading there in the past eight years.

Minister Amongi is expected to explore additional opportunities in the United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey, Germany, and Poland, aiming for better salaries and improved working conditions for Ugandan laborers.

“We may receive up to 20 complaints per month of all kinds including runaways. The cases have definitely gone down. They are not as outrageous as they used to sound,” said Egulu.

To address issues of mistreatment and fatalities among migrant workers, the government has implemented the External Employment Management System to monitor their welfare. In 2023, the ministry received 868 complaints from Ugandan workers abroad, with efforts to address the cases ongoing.

As part of ongoing initiatives, the government plans to introduce a mobile app to assist Ugandan workers in reporting challenges while abroad. Migrant workers will be required to have smartphones with this app installed, further enhancing their ability to seek assistance and support when needed.