The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development is set to repatriate Prossy Nambalirwa, a Ugandan citizen who has been stranded in Saudi Arabia.
Nambalirwa’s distressing video, showing her wounded body, went viral on social media. In the footage, she pleaded with the company that recruited her to urgently facilitate her return to Uganda, citing severe physical injuries and mental illness.
Hon. Esther Anyakun, the Minister of State for Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations, confirmed the government’s intervention. Nambalirwa has been rescued from the abusive residence and transferred to a hospital in Saudi Arabia for treatment. Hon. Anyakun explained that Nambalirwa’s critical condition initially prevented her from traveling.
“We have had to ensure that she does not travel while she is still in critical condition, but now she is in a better state. I will be in Riyadh [Saudi Arabia] on Monday and I will come back with the girl,” said Anyakun. Her remarks provided relief to Hon. Gorreth Namugga (NUP, Mawokota County South), who had raised Nambalirwa’s plight as a matter of national importance.
Hon. Namugga highlighted the troubling conditions faced by many Ugandans working abroad, particularly in Saudi Arabia. She called on the government to prioritize the safety and welfare of its citizens working as migrant laborers.
“I would implore this Parliament to get interested in what Ugandans go through as migrant workers. A lot of tax is collected, but this should not be the only source of revenue; the lives of citizens should be protected,” she urged.
Namugga also advocated for fast-tracking the bill on labor externalization and establishing a comprehensive database of migrant workers. This, she argued, would facilitate monitoring and tracing individuals who may encounter threats while working overseas.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa instructed the Committee on Gender, Labour, and Social Development to follow up on Namugga’s recommendations. He emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges faced by Ugandan migrant workers and ensuring their safety and dignity.
The government’s efforts to bring Nambalirwa home signify a crucial step in addressing the plight of distressed migrant workers, but the call for systemic reforms remains urgent.