Kampala, Uganda: The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) has released an official list of licensed labour export companies, urging Ugandans to deal only with authorised firms as cases of fraud and exploitation linked to unregistered recruiters surge.
The list, updated as of April 7, 2026, comes amid growing concern that many job seekers, particularly youth, are losing money to traffickers and unscrupulous agents promising employment abroad.
State Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, said the move is aimed at protecting vulnerable Ugandans from exploitation and ensuring accountability in labour externalisation.
“We are committed to protecting our young people from exploitation. If you have been cheated by any licensed company, the Ministry will support you in recovering your money. Always verify that the recruiter is licensed before engaging with them,” Barugahara said.
He emphasised that all licensed recruitment firms operate under strict government regulations and are closely monitored to ensure the safety and welfare of Ugandan workers deployed overseas.
“These are the licensed labour export companies as of 7th April 2026. Many young people are losing money to traffickers and fraudulent companies. Please stay alert. Many young people cry out after being cheated,” he added.
The Ministry noted that licensed companies are legally mandated to follow up on the well-being of workers abroad and remain accountable for their conditions at workplaces.
Barugahara urged job seekers to verify recruitment agencies through official Ministry platforms or by visiting nearby labour offices before making any payments or commitments.
He also assured victims of fraud that government mechanisms are in place to help recover lost funds—provided the company involved is licensed.
List of Licensed Labour Export Firms as of April 2026
Rising Desperation, Growing Exploitation
The release of the list comes against the backdrop of rising unemployment pressures and a struggling labour market in Uganda, which has pushed thousands of young people to seek opportunities abroad, particularly in the Middle East.
Data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) indicates that over 66% of employed persons operate without formal written contracts, while 22% are exposed to occupational hazards. Wages remain low across both skilled and unskilled sectors, contributing to the growing migration trend.
This has created fertile ground for exploitation, with many migrants, especially women in domestic work, reporting abuse, poor working conditions, and financial exploitation in destination countries.
Authorities have now intensified calls for vigilance, warning that dealing with unlicensed firms significantly increases the risk of fraud, trafficking, and abuse.
Barugahara reiterated that only licensed companies are recognised, regulated, and held accountable by government.
Ugandans seeking jobs abroad have been advised to cross-check recruitment agencies against the official list and seek guidance from the Ministry before engaging in any labour export arrangements.
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