KAMPALA — Mr Hajji Abdul Bisaso, Member of Parliament for Kassanda South and a member of Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, has called for stronger, practical measures to protect Ugandans living and working abroad.
During a Committee meeting on Monday, Bisaso submitted recommendations on the Draft Diaspora Support and Engagement Policy. He emphasised the need for clear government commitments to safeguard citizens facing challenges in foreign countries, arguing that protection requires more than policy statements.
He highlighted six priority areas requiring urgent attention:
Protection of migrant workers: Addressing cases where employers confiscate workers’ passports or withhold wages.
Assistance to distressed Ugandans: Supporting citizens who are detained, imprisoned, abused or stranded abroad.
Combating human trafficking: Strengthening protection for victims of human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment.
Emergency assistance: Establishing practical response mechanisms for Ugandans facing emergencies in countries where Uganda has no resident diplomatic mission.
Support for affected families: Improving assistance to families seeking information about missing or deceased Ugandans abroad.
Consular and repatriation support: Ensuring access to emergency shelter, legal assistance and repatriation for citizens in distress.
Bisaso stressed that effective consular support, clear operational commitments and timely government intervention are essential. He urged that these measures be strengthened in the policy so that Ugandans living and working abroad receive the protection and assistance they deserve.
The Kassanda South MP, who sits on the Foreign Affairs Committee, made the submission as the Committee reviewed the draft policy aimed at improving engagement with and support for the Ugandan diaspora.
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