The Ugandan government will launch a mandatory digital tracking system to protect citizens working abroad from exploitation and human trafficking.
State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Hon. Simon Mulongo, announced the digital safety platform during a media briefing on Friday. The electronic database aims to monitor the welfare of migrant workers and provide rapid emergency response.
Under the new security policy, every citizen leaving the country for foreign employment must register on the digital platform before departure.
“We want to come up with a new electronic system to track and know the whereabouts of our labour communities, particularly those who are externalised,” Mulongo said.
Migrant workers often become untraceable after departure because rogue recruitment agencies and employers confiscate their passports. To counter this threat, the ministry will introduce digital cards and electronic tools to maintain constant communication with Ugandan authorities.
The government is currently negotiating with host nations and private recruitment firms to establish unified monitoring standards. Additionally, Uganda will deploy specialized labour officers to boost consular support in regions with limited diplomatic presence.
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development will collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade, and state security agencies to streamline documentation.
Alongside the digital rollout, the state will launch a massive audit of approximately 2,500 local labour recruitment companies. The enforcement exercise will verify licensing status, operational activity, and legal compliance.
Some recruitment firms face accusations of defrauding job seekers by collecting fees without securing actual employment. Other suspect agencies continue to operate without valid registration.
The minister highlighted ongoing challenges regarding severe exploitation and abuse of Ugandans in conflict zones and the Middle East. The state is currently utilizing diplomatic channels to safely repatriate affected citizens from these regions.
Ultimately, Uganda aims to reform its entire labour export industry by prioritizing formal skills training and enhanced worker protections.
