While addressing journalists on the sidelines of the meeting at Entebbe Golf View Hotel, Mr. Kayonde Abdallah, the interim president of the Federation of Ugandan Migrant Workers Associations (FUMWA) and president of Migrant Workers' Voice, delivered a compelling message about the significance of labor migration for Ugandans. He urged potential migrant workers to embrace the opportunities that labor migration presents, especially in light of the ongoing global dynamics shaped by globalization.
Mr. Abdallah emphasized that globalization has profoundly impacted developing countries like Uganda, creating both challenges and opportunities. He noted that while globalization has intensified competition for jobs and resources, it has also led to an increase in labor mobility. This trend serves as a crucial safety net for many Ugandans facing rising unemployment levels. According to recent statistics from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), labor migration has become an essential strategy for economic survival for millions in the Global South. In fact, Uganda has seen a significant increase in labor migrants, with over 100,000 Ugandans seeking employment abroad annually.
In his remarks, Mr. Abdallah highlighted the importance of understanding the push factors that drive individuals to seek employment abroad. He encouraged prospective migrant workers to look inward and reflect on their motivations such as economic hardship, political instability, and limited job opportunities at home. By recognizing these factors, he argued, workers can better prepare themselves to seize opportunities and contribute positively in their new environments.
Furthermore, he called upon migrant workers from Uganda and the broader Great Lakes region to unite in their advocacy efforts. He stressed that a unified voice is vital for effectively addressing their rights and concerns. "Divisions among us only weaken our collective bargaining power," he stated. He urged workers to engage with government initiatives designed to protect their rights and promote safe migration practices.
He also referenced President Yoweri Museveni's recent statements regarding labor externalization, emphasizing the need for improved deployment standards. He noted that the government's focus is shifting from primarily informal workers to skilled and professional workers. This change aims to enhance Uganda's image internationally and mitigate the challenges posed by unskilled and informal migrant workers who often find themselves vulnerable and at the mercy of exploitative conditions abroad.
He further articulated that migration should not be seen merely as a last resort but as a viable opportunity for economic advancement. He noted that remittances sent back home by migrant workers play a crucial role in stabilizing Uganda's national currency and supporting individual development initiatives. "As we promote industrialization in Uganda," he said, "we must recognize the fact that access to cheap labor is essential for attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs)." Therefore those nationals who find themselves not fit for the current national wage standard, will always find better pay elsewhere and this remains afact that has contributed to the pulls of labour mobility and government should not ignore that, rather see it as an alternative for economic stability and development alongside its mega long-term programs on industrialization.
Mr. Abdallah's statements resonated with urgency as he called on all potential migrant workers to recognize and seize labor migration opportunities while advocating collectively for their rights. He emphasized that unity among migrant workers is essential not only for personal empowerment but also for contributing to Uganda's economic development in an increasingly interconnected world.
His message underscored a path forward: one where migrant workers can thrive while actively participating in shaping policies that affect their lives and livelihoods.
Reported by Mugisha Fred.
MWV Media.
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