Uganda’s Ambassador to Malaysia wants tougher laws against human trafficking

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Uganda’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr. Betty Oyella Bigombe, has urged the Ugandan government to intensify its efforts in the fight against human trafficking, particularly in foreign countries.

She made the remarks during a media briefing for the upcoming Malaysia-Uganda: Pearl of Africa Business Forum and Expo on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala.

The Business Forum and Expo is scheduled for April 23-24, 2025, at the Renaissance Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Crisis of Human Trafficking

Dr Bigombe expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of human trafficking, particularly among Uganda’s unemployed youth, who are often lured by fraudulent job opportunities advertised on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

(L-R) Charles Ssentongo Director Protocol Services Ministry of foreign Affairs, Elly Kamahungye Director International and Regional Economic Cooperation and Betty Bigombe Uganda's High Commissioner to Malaysia interacting after a press conference. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

“We must make a lot of effort to prevent human trafficking to these foreign countries. I am aware of the number of youths that do not have employment. I am aware of what they are going through, and therefore, they are very desperate. Any fictitious job offers, they will jump on them,” she said.

She highlighted that many Ugandans have fallen victim to these deceptive recruitment schemes, only to find themselves trapped in exploitative labour conditions, particularly in Myanmar.

The Plight of Ugandans in Myanmar

Providing details on the situation in Myanmar, Dr Bigombe revealed that at least 31 Ugandans are currently stranded in various scamming centres across the country. These centres, owned by Chinese operators, generate approximately $10 billion annually and have ensnared over 120,000 victims from different nationalities, including a significant number from China itself.

“These scamming centres are located in rebel-controlled areas and are not under government jurisdiction. The victims are spread across different locations, including Tororo, Arua, and Moroto. Recently, due to mounting pressure from affected countries, the rebels decided to open up some centres, allowing over 15,000 victims to escape,” she explained.

Dr Bigombe emphasized that Uganda, along with other affected nations, has been pressuring the governments of China and Thailand to take action against these trafficking networks. However, Thailand recently tightened its border controls, limiting further evacuations.

Challenges in Fighting Human Trafficking

Despite efforts to profile and identify trafficking agents operating within Uganda, Dr Bigombe lamented the lack of effective enforcement by relevant authorities.

Charles Ssentongo Director Protocol Services Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressing a press conference at Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 13, 2025. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

“The agencies responsible for investigating these cases are not doing their job effectively. We need more action to bring these traffickers to justice and prevent further exploitation of our citizens,” she stated.

Call for Media and Government Intervention

Dr Bigombe called upon the media to play a crucial role in raising awareness about human trafficking. She urged journalists to expose fraudulent job advertisements and educate the public on the dangers of falling prey to traffickers.

“The media has a big role to play in this. We need to publicize what is going on in Myanmar and other trafficking hotspots. Many of these job offers appear legitimate on social media, but they are a trap,” she warned.

Barbara Mulwana, the Honorary Consul of the Royal Thai Consulate in Uganda, echoed Dr. Bigombe’s concerns, emphasizing the need for swift government intervention.

“I think all the government has to do is to support her (Dr Bigombe) so we can get those people back. And let us make sure that anybody who is thinking about going to do this, please stop,” she urged.

Dr Bigombe stressed the need for stricter regulations on recruitment agencies, enhanced border security, and stronger diplomatic engagement with foreign governments to dismantle trafficking networks. She also urged Ugandans to verify job offers with relevant authorities before travelling abroad.

Business Forum and Expo

Uganda is set to showcase its immense investment potential at the Uganda-Malaysia Business Forum and Expo 2025.

This high-level business gathering aims to strengthen Uganda’s economic ties with Southeast Asian markets, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

(L-R) Charles Ssentongo Director Protocol Services Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Elly Kamahungye Director International and Regional Economic Cooperation, Betty Bigombe Uganda's High Commissioner to Malaysia, Barbara Mulwana and Habib Kagimu Honorary Consulate of Malaysia interacting. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

The event will serve as a platform for promoting trade, investment, and strategic partnerships in key sectors such as agriculture, oil and gas, tourism, ICT, and minerals.

Dr Bigombe emphasized the significance of engaging with Asia’s rapidly growing economies, which collectively have a market of over 800 million people.

“As we work towards positioning Uganda as a premier investment destination in Africa, it is imperative that we seize the opportunities presented by these flourishing economies,” she noted.

Strategic Focus on Bilateral Relations

The two-day expo, scheduled for April 23-24, 2025, at the Renaissance Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, will facilitate government-to-government (G2G) and business-to-business (B2B) engagements, fostering trade and sustainable economic growth.

“Serious investors do not merely attend exhibitions. Our approach focuses on connecting manufacturers with manufacturers, investors with investors, and industrialists with industrialists. This is a strategic effort to create meaningful economic partnerships,” Dr Bigombe elaborated.

She also highlighted Malaysia’s position as the current Chair of the ASEAN region, a role that presents significant opportunities for Uganda to strengthen economic ties with Southeast Asia.

Government Commitment and Stakeholder Support

Ambassador Elly Kamahungye, who has been overseeing the Economic and Commercial Diplomacy (ECD) program for the expo, reiterated the importance of the forum in transforming Uganda’s international economic partnerships.

“This platform will bring stakeholders together, facilitating meaningful dialogue and tangible investments,” he said, urging corporate leaders to actively participate in B2B engagements.

Ambassador Charles Ssentongo, representing Permanent Secretary Bagiire Vincent Waiswa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Uganda’s economic partnerships with Asia.

“This forum is part of our broader efforts to enhance Uganda’s competitive edge in global markets,” he stated.

Unlocking Uganda’s Trade Potential

Uganda’s fast-growing economy, with an expected GDP growth rate of over 6.5%, presents tremendous potential for foreign investment. According to Dr Bigombe, Uganda must bridge the trade imbalance between itself and Malaysia.

“Malaysia exports goods worth $250 billion, while Uganda’s exports stand at only $105 billion. This trade disparity is a gap we must work to close,” she noted.

Derrick Mawanda, Country Director of Continental Investments, a Malaysia-based firm, stressed the importance of clearly defining Uganda’s value proposition.

“We must ask ourselves: What are we offering? Our value proposition needs to be well-packaged to attract meaningful investment,” he said

As Uganda prepares for the Uganda-Malaysia Business Forum and Expo 2025, Dr. Bigombe called on all Ugandans to recognize the vast opportunities in Asia and take proactive steps to leverage them.

“Asia is ready for business. Together, we can unlock the full economic potential of this partnership and build a future of shared prosperity,” she concluded.