Ugandan Security Guards in Iraq Safe- Government

By Max Patrick Ocaido

Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development says Ugandans working in Iraq as security guards are safe in the wake of violent protests that broke out  last week at the US embassy in Baghdad.

Protesters angered by recent deadly US air strikes targeting an Iran-backed Iraqi militia attacked the US embassy compound in Baghdad. The air strikes left at least 25 fighters dead including Iran's most powerful military commander, Gen Qasem Soleimani.

The attacks have escalated tension between the two super powers, as Iran has vowed severe revenge.

The situation in Baghdad has meanwhile raised security and safety concerns of Ugandans working in Iraq as security guards. But, in a statement Frank Mugabi, the Communications Officer at the Ministry of Gender, the Ugandan security guards in Iraq are not involved in any violent exchange and are safe.

“The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, a lead agency in the externalization of labour is in touch with officials from SOC-USA, the company that employs Ugandan guards…the entire continent is not involved in any combat operations and as such no injuries or fatalities have been registered arising out of the protests at the US embassy in Baghdad,” Mugabi said.

There are currently about 700 Ugandans deployed in Iraq as security guards.