Kampala, (UG):– In response to the alarming rise in drug and human trafficking cases involving Ugandan pilgrims, the Office of the President, security agencies, and key stakeholders from the labour recruitment sector have forged applicable measures aimed at curbing the growing threat, which is tarnishing the reputation of Uganda on the international stage.
This was reached at during the stakeholders conference, held at the President’s Office in Kampala, which brought together the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, labour recruitment agencies, and various other stakeholders.
The meeting followed recent reports of Ugandan pilgrims arrested at Madinah Airport in Saudi Arabia, found in possession of suspected narcotics which highlights the infiltration of organized crime into the pilgrimage process, with drug cartels exploiting weaknesses during the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
Speaking to the guests and delegates, Hajji Yunus Kakande, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, conveyed the urgency of the matter in a statement delivered by Ambassador Dr Mohamed A. Kisuule, Senior Presidential Advisor on Middle East Affairs and reiterated President Yoweri Museveni’s directive to crack down on Ugandans involved in trafficking, particularly in Saudi Arabia, China, and other countries.
“The President has been receiving reports that Ugandans are increasingly being linked to drug and human trafficking, a situation that is embarrassing and damaging to the image of our country,” Hajj Kakande said in a statement.
Adding; “He has called for cooperation among stakeholders to create awareness and develop strategies to combat this illegal trade.”
Brig. Gen. Christopher Ddamulira, Director of Crime Intelligence, echoed the need for immediate action, urging the formation of a dedicated team to continuously assess the problem and guide collaborations with foreign embassies and governments.
The CI boss promised that security agencies would employ advanced technology to detect and prevent trafficking activities, emphasizing that recent arrests in Saudi Arabia and China are serious concerns for Uganda’s international reputation.
“We have agreed on several measures to tackle this problem, and we are committed to doing everything possible to prevent drug and human trafficking from continuing to damage our country’s image,” Brig Ddamulira stated.
The State Minister for Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations, Hon. Esther Anyakun, spoke about her recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where she met with victims of trafficking. She described how many Ugandans unknowingly become victims of traffickers, drawn into illegal activities like drug smuggling and human exploitation.
While appealing for the release of some Ugandans during her visit, the minister acknowledged the strict laws in Saudi Arabia. “Those involved in drug trafficking face severe consequences; these are capital offences, and their laws cannot be bent,” Hon Anyakun said.
Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, warned of the growing threat that drug and human trafficking poses to Uganda’s standing globally. He called for the immediate creation of a robust coordination team that could dismantle trafficking networks and prevent further harm to the country’s image.
“We are a country of hope, yet these activities are casting a dark shadow over us. We need to act decisively now,” Walusimbi said, adding that a delegation from the President’s Office and the Ministry of Gender would soon travel to the Gulf region to engage governments there on stronger measures to curb trafficking.
Sheikh Sulaiman Guggwa, Uganda’s Deputy Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, thanked President Museveni for including the Muslim community in the discussions and pledged the Embassy’s support in establishing stronger partnerships to combat drug and human trafficking.
He called on all parties to work together, step by step, in creating comprehensive solutions.
The conference also included contributions from labour recruitment agencies and migrant worker associations, who stressed the need for better tracking and monitoring of migrant workers, using digital tools to improve coordination.
They called on the government to help integrate these systems and ensure that Ugandan workers abroad are better protected from exploitation.
With over 300 attendees, the conference is expected to serve as a foundation for future initiatives aimed at addressing trafficking, reinforcing Uganda’s commitment to international cooperation, and safeguarding the integrity of the Hajj pilgrimage.
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