Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi, has urged the Ugandan government to expedite assistance for nationals stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia as the extended amnesty period nears its conclusion. Speaking during a recent interview, the Kyadondo East MP highlighted the plight of many Ugandans unable to meet the requirements to return home before the December 31 deadline.

The amnesty, initially announced by the government in November through the Ministry of Labor, was meant to provide a two-month grace period for Ugandans living irregularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to return home without legal repercussions. However, Hon. Nkunyingi expressed concerns that logistical challenges, particularly delays in passport issuance, have hindered many from taking advantage of the initiative.

“Numerous Ugandans who applied and paid for passports have been left stranded because the embassy halted the issuance of documents during the amnesty period,” Nkunyingi explained. “These delays have left many Ugandans unable to secure the necessary documentation to travel back home.”

The MP also criticized the limited scope of the amnesty, noting that it excluded countries like Qatar, Jordan, and Egypt, where Ugandans are similarly struggling with harsh conditions. He called on the government to broaden its diplomatic efforts and negotiate similar agreements for nationals in these countries.

“Uganda must engage other countries where our citizens are facing challenges, including detention,” he said. “These people deserve the same opportunities to return home safely.”

Despite these criticisms, State Minister for Labor, Hon. Esther Anyakun, defended the government’s efforts, stating that the amnesty program had successfully facilitated the return of 277 Ugandans. She acknowledged, however, that some individuals had not acted promptly to take advantage of the initiative.

“The amnesty has been in place since November, but many waited until the last minute to act,” she said. “We are working with our diplomatic missions to ensure the process continues until the deadline, but there is little room for extensions.”

Minister Anyakun also warned against abusing the amnesty by attempting to remain illegally in the UAE or Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that the program excludes individuals with criminal records.

Former East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Fred Mukasa Mbidde echoed calls for a more robust framework to protect Ugandan migrant workers abroad. Highlighting the significant economic contributions of Ugandans working overseas, Mbidde argued that the government must prioritize their welfare beyond the financial benefits they bring to the country.

“Ugandans working abroad send home substantial remittances, but this should not come at the cost of their rights and dignity,” he said. “We need targeted policies and systems to address labor disputes and safeguard our citizens from exploitation.”

As the amnesty period comes to a close, thousands of Ugandans in the UAE and Saudi Arabia face an uncertain future. While the government has made strides in facilitating their return, unresolved challenges such as financial constraints and delayed passport issuance remain significant barriers.