(Kampala) – Fifty seven Ugandans who had been stuck in Saudi Arabian prisons for various offences have been repatriated to Uganda. According to Abbey Walusimbi, a senior presidential advisor on diaspora affairs, the Ugandans were recently pardoned by the Saudi government, making their return possible. Walusimbi is overseeing a new initiative launched by the Ugandan government, aimed at documenting and repatriating over 800 Ugandan nationals from Gulf states by the end of January 2025.
The repatriation follows growing concerns over the exploitation of Ugandan migrant workers in the Gulf region. Walusimbi noted that a significant number of Ugandans are stranded in Saudi Arabia, while others are in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan, with some facing charges such as illegal stay and prostitution.
The Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, have become major destinations for Ugandan migrant workers, with over 200,000 Ugandans employed there. However, the lack of effective labour protections, both locally and internationally, has left many workers vulnerable to exploitation, including debt bondage. The recent increase in the number of Ugandans in distress in these countries has prompted the Ugandan government to take action.
The repatriation initiative is part of a broader effort to address the challenges faced by migrant workers. Walusimbi mentioned that the government has formed a task force, which includes Minister Esther Anyakun, who is currently in the UAE to address these issues.
The initiative also follows a conference on combating drug and human trafficking, which was convened in Kampala under the direction of President Yoweri Museveni. During the conference, a task force was established to combat trafficking and enhance cooperation between the government and the Ugandan diaspora. As part of this broader strategy, Anyakun recently announced that Saudi Arabia had agreed to pardon Ugandan migrant workers stranded in deportation centres and prisons.
The government is committed to continuing its efforts to support Ugandan nationals facing difficulties abroad, with further plans to repatriate more citizens in the coming months.
| Country | Number of Ugandans |
|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | Over 582 |
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) | Over 100 |
| Jordan | Undisclosed |
