The government of Uganda has warned Ugandans who are travelling to Somalia illegally for work without legal and proper documents to desist, as they are at risk of being exploited.
According to the Ugandan government, there are more than ten thousand Ugandans illegally working in Somalia with no visas or other legal documentation that allows them to stay and work in Somalia, which is a big threat to their lives.
In an interview conducted in Mogadishu on June 19, 2024, Brig Gen. Francis Chemo, the Defence Attaché to the Federal Republic of Somalia, disclosed that the majority of Ugandans in Somalia are trafficked to work as construction labourers and security guards in the country but are not given permits or other documentation that permit them to work in Somalia.
Brig Gen. Chemo added that most of the illegal migrants from Uganda do not even know where the Ugandan Embassy in Somalia is located, hence putting their lives in danger, stating that once they are apprehended by Somalian authorities, they could be mistaken to be rebels.
“Many private companies sneak these people into Somalia for labour export to work as builders and local security guards without any visas, and once they get problems with their employers, these private companies that snuck them into Somalia do not help them out and leave them to suffer,’’ Chemo disclosed.
Chemo added that, despite Somalia being part of the East African Community, there are procedures one has to follow if they want to travel to Somalia that should be followed. He added that this is important because it enables the government to help the migrants out when in trouble.
He also disclosed the migrants claim that they travel to Somalia illegally because they feel Uganda Airlines overcharges for flights from Uganda to that country in comparison to flights to other destinations.
He, however, stated that discussions into this matter with Uganda Airlines were held and would be followed up.
