Uganda’s Vice President, Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi Thursday flagged off 100 Ugandans mostly youth to work in Middle East countries.
They are going through Uganda’s leading labour exporting agency, Middle East Consultants Ltd (MECL). They will work as drivers, general cleaning staff, maids and unarmed guards in Dubai, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Addressing the candidates at MECL head offices in Muyenga before they headed to Entebbe International Airport, Ssekandi, who was Chief Guest, asked them to be Uganda’s ambassadors, noting that this will not only get more Ugandans jobs abroad, but also attract foreign investors.
“Treasure the opportunities you have got. Be exemplary workers so that other Ugandans can be considered for jobs abroad.
Working abroad is more exciting and useful; you get exposure to so many things including diverse cultures,” Ssekandi said.
He added: You are our ambassadors; patriotism for your country should be seen in words and action.”
The Vice President further advised the candidates to invest their hard-earned money in productive activities.
“Be careful with life; we need you to come back alive and kicking,” he said.
He urged parents and guardians of the children going for jobs abroad to be faithful to them and the money they send back home to set up income generating activities.
He commended Middle East Consultants for availing employment opportunities to Ugandans, noting that the company has helped in the fight against unemployment.
He revealed that government has put in place a policy guiding the export of labour.
“Go through only licensed companies like Middle East Consultants. We need jobs, but we also have to ensure that they (jobs) are safe both within and abroad,” he said.
Middle East Consultants to Start Training Academy
Speaking at the same event, Middle East Consultants Managing Director, Gordon Mugyenyi noted that they are professionals in what they do, a thing that has seen them exist for the last 15 years.
“Middle East Consultants has over 12,000 workers in the Middle East. Every month we take 100 Ugandans in different [job] categories,” Mugyenyi said.
He added: “All our children are vetted by Interpol and cleared by Ministry of Labour, Gender and Social Development. Equally important, all our children go through Entebbe International Airport and are welcomed by our embassies so that they are monitored.”
He added that the company checks on Ugandans they take abroad for jobs on a quarterly basis.
“We take all Ugandans as long as they can speak some ‘small’ English,” he said, adding that the company also supports projects undertaken by the children they take.
He revealed plans by the company to start “Middle East Training Institute come next year.”
He said the academy will train Ugandan in lucrative jobs abroad such as hoteliers, drivers, unarmed guards and welders among others.
