Members of Parliament have urged the government to negotiate stronger bilateral agreements on labour externalisation following a recent BBC documentary highlighting the plight of Ugandan girls subjected to sex slavery in the United Arab Emirates UAE).
The documentary, titled Death in Dubai, revealed the tragic deaths of two Ugandan girls who suffered perverse sexual assaults at the hands of an alleged trafficker, Alex Mwesigwa, a Ugandan who previously worked as a bus driver in London, UK.
Expressing deep concern, MPs called for enforceable agreements to ensure the safety of Ugandan migrant workers in host countries.
“The Minister of Foreign Affairs must explain what is delaying the signing of agreements to protect our nationals. Many Ugandans are trafficked, and this could be addressed if the government negotiates and signs enforceable bilateral agreements,” said Muwada Nkunyingi, the shadow minister for Foreign Affairs.
The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, who raised the issue, proposed that the government emulate other nations that negotiate minimum wage standards for migrant workers to reduce exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
“Most governments negotiate employment terms, such as setting a minimum salary, but Ugandan workers are left to fend for themselves. We must revisit the plight of migrant workers and follow the case of the two girls who died until its conclusion,” Tayebwa said.
The documentary, which exposed the mistreatment of female migrant workers in the UAE, deeply moved MPs.
Tororo Woman MP, Sarah Opendi, urged Parliament to expedite the Employment (Amendment) Bill, 2023, returned by the president, and the Sexual Offences Bill, 2024, noting that these laws include provisions addressing sexual assault and exploitation through employment.
Opendi also called for the prosecution of the alleged trafficker.
“This man claims to be the embassy and the police. It is becoming a significant issue for those who go abroad to work and then turn to us [MPs] for help,” she said.
Workers’ MP, Abdulhu Byakatonda, revealed progress on a new bill aimed at tackling illegal practices in labour externalisation. “I have worked on the Labour Externalisation and Management Bill, 2024. We have conducted research, consulted widely, including with the Attorney General, and now require Parliament’s approval,” Byakatonda said.
Nkunyingi reiterated the need for enforceable bilateral agreements. Deputy Speaker Tayebwa directed the minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development to collaborate with relevant government institutions and present a comprehensive report on migrant issues by Wednesday, 18 September 2025.
Ibrahim Ssemujju from Kira Municipality, drew the House’s attention to Ugandans detained without trial for extended periods, such as NUP’s Eddie Mutwe and People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) member, Sam Mugumya.
He urged the government to prioritise cases within its jurisdiction.
