The President of Migrant Workers’ Voice and International Director for
ant workers, Abdallah Kayonde, has visited several Ugandan nationals hospitalized in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is the largest destination for Ugandan migrant workers, hosting over 150,000 individuals. In 2023, Uganda signed a bilateral labor agreement with Saudi Arabia to safeguard the rights and welfare of Ugandan workers abroad. Migrant workers in the Middle East contribute approximately $900 million annually to Uganda’s economy.
Kayonde’s visit reassured and supported the hospitalized workers during their recovery, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive social security measures to assist them upon returning home.
Accompanied by Abdallah Kaloddo, Chief Coordinator for Uganda Labour Companies, Kayonde engaged with the workers, attentively listening to their concerns about health and future reintegration into society. Many expressed anxiety about returning home without adequate support systems in place.
A critical issue raised during these visits was the lack of structured reintegration programs for returning migrant workers.
“Without social security safeguards, emergency health coverage, and life insurance programs, many returnees would struggle significantly. Ugandan government to expedite the development of a social welfare program tailored specifically for migrant workers,” he said.
He commended the Uganda Embassy in Riyadh for its unwavering support in assisting Ugandans facing health crises and contractual issues. Additionally, he praised the Uganda Ministry of Gender for establishing a dedicated department within the Ugandan mission in Riyadh to focus on labor externalization and migrant worker welfare. This, he noted, is a crucial step in ensuring that migrant workers receive the necessary support.
Kayonde also called on the Ugandan government to strengthen its political will in supporting initiatives that improve business conditions and protect migrant workers. He stressed that such measures are vital not only for safeguarding workers’ rights but also for preserving Uganda’s image abroad, particularly in the Gulf region.
Furthermore, he encouraged all Ugandan migrant workers to comply with the government’s new guidelines on overseas employment. By doing so, they can contribute to a comprehensive database that informs better policies and promotes accountability for their claims.
Kayonde’s commitment to improving the lives of Ugandan migrant workers is commendable. Through his hospital visits and advocacy efforts, he continues to highlight critical issues affecting these individuals while calling for actionable solutions from the government.
During his visit to King Khalid Hospital in Hafar Al Batin, Saudi Arabia, Kayonde met with Dungu Hamidu, a Ugandan who was involved in a severe accident while driving his employer’s children to school. The accident nearly cost him his life, but he expressed gratitude to Allah for his survival and praised the medical team for their unwavering care and efforts in saving him.
