Government is in advanced stages of signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with more countries in Asia and other parts of the world.
This is aimed at expanding labour export in those countries as well as improving the welfare of young Ugandans and the economy at large.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hud Katuramu (pictured above) says that in addition to agreements signed with countries like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and others, Uganda is about to link Ugandans to Turkey through a bi-lateral agreement.
“We are increasingly getting Memorandum of Understandings and bi-lateral agreements with countries to expand our labour export business in those countries. We are going to sign an agreement with Turkey geared towards linking Ugandans to work in Turkey,” he said.
Katuramu made the remarks during the 2nd symposium and expo of external recruitment companies organised by The Uganda Association of External Recruitment Agencies (UERA) n at Kololo airstrip from 26th -27th November 2019.
Katuramu said that the challenges that are facing the industry can be solved if the transportation process is made through normal procedures like honouring of agreements by recipient countries, medical treatment arrangements, communication links between the workers and families and holding multi-sectoral meetings that will also curb human trafficking which he says is spoiling the business.
The Executive Director, the Uganda Association of External Recruitment Agency (UAERA), Enid Nambuya emphasized that the working conditions of Ugandans working abroad is improving.
She said as an umbrella organisation, they will contribute to solve the unemployment problem of young Ugandans through gainful employment. The Secretary General of National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU), Peter Werikhe, urged all labour exporting companies to take advantage of NOTU’s presence globally to ensure protection and decent working environment for Ugandans abroad.
Statistics from Ministry of Gender indicates that Uganda earns over $600 Million in remittances from external labour. Over 4000 Ugandans are exported monthly for jobs abroad, with Saudi Arabia the highest recipient. There are about 187 member companies under UAERA.
By Drake Nyamugabwa
