By Diana N. Kintu
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has launched a campaign aimed at protecting Ugandans seeking employment abroad from exploitation, illegal recruitment, and human trafficking.
Dubbed the Safe Labour Migration Awareness Campaign, and themed “Travel Safe. Stay Safe,” the initiative seeks to promote safe, legal, and dignified labour migration pathways.
Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre, the Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Hon. Esther Anyakun Davinia, said that while labour migration offers opportunities for Ugandans to support their families and improve their livelihoods, it also exposes them to serious risks when undertaken without proper guidance.
“Achieving safe, orderly, and decent labour migration is a shared responsibility. Migrant workers come from our families and communities, and their safety and dignity must therefore concern all of us,” Hon. Anyakun said.
She noted that the campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of irregular migration and to educate Ugandans on the importance of using licensed recruitment companies and verified job orders.
The Minister further explained that the campaign highlights government protection mechanisms, including mandatory pre-departure training, clearance procedures, and bilateral labour agreements. She urged migrant workers to travel only on employment visas, sign contracts that guarantee wages and medical care, and share their employment details with family members before departure.
Uganda continues to experience a rapid increase in young people entering the labour market, with between 600,000 and 700,000 new entrants annually, the majority of whom are youths. Many seek employment opportunities abroad, particularly in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar.
While the Externalisation of Labour Programme has created employment opportunities and generated remittances, officials warned that unregulated migration often degenerates into human trafficking and labour exploitation.
To strengthen protection mechanisms, the Ministry of Gender has established several complaint channels, including the EEMIS Complaints Module (eemis.mglsd.go.ug), the Migrant Helpline App – Sauti 116, and direct telephone contacts. These platforms enable migrant workers and their families to report cases of exploitation, contract violations, or suspected illegal recruitment, ensuring timely response and follow-up.
Hon. Anyakun emphasised that the campaign is not only about raising awareness but also about building public trust in government systems. By promoting safe migration practices, Uganda aims to protect its citizens, reduce reliance on unlicensed agents, and ensure that every Ugandan who chooses to work abroad does so safely, legally, and with dignity.