The gender ministry has confirmed that the docket minister Betty Amongi is in Saudi Arabia to attend to the growing concerns of the safety of Ugandan migrant workers in the Middle East.

The ministry spokesperson, Frank Mugabi, in a statement on Tuesday indicated that the minister was in Saudi Arabia to engage with labour companies authorised to deploy Ugandan workers in Saudi Arabia.

“The visit running from January 23 to 28, 2022, aims at having a candid discussion with the companies on the safety of Ugandans following the recent complaints,” Mugabi said.

According to Mugabi, the chain of deployment of any Ugandan in the Middle East involves two licensed companies; one in Uganda where the recruitment is done, and another in the country of destination.

“The company in the destination country does the final deployment of the worker although the actual point of work is established before one leaves Uganda.”

“The system is regulated by both governments and follows guidelines stipulated in the bilateral labour agreements,” Mugabi said.

Minister Amongi (2nd left) with managers of the EKAL facility in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Courtesy Photo

He indicated that there have been concerns over the continued reporting of cases of harassment and outright human rights violation of some Ugandans placed in jobs across the Middle East, including in Saudi Arabia.

“It is for this reason that the minister led a delegation of officials from Uganda to go hold meetings with the labour companies in Saudi Arabia to agree on strategies for improving on the safety of migrant workers,” Mugabi added.

The delegation according to Mugabi, spent the better part of Tuesday inspecting the EKAL accommodation facilities where Ugandan girls are housed on arrival.

The delegation Mugabi said they met with the deputy general manager of the facility, Muhammed Ali Al Melhem and also elated Ugandan girls who were at the facility.

“The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and the Government takes seriously the complaints concerning the safety of all Ugandans abroad and it’s therefore our resolve to have engagements at all levels until such a time when everyone’s safety is guaranteed.” Amongi said.

Amongi is on Wednesday scheduled to meet her Saudi Arabian counterpart to discuss pertinent issues regarding the rights of workers.

The minister is among others accompanied by the gender ministry permanent secretary, Aggrey Kibenge.