Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families

Concluding observations on the initial report of Uganda

Addendum

Information received from Uganda on follow-up to the concluding observations *

[Date received: 28 December 2017]

Paragraph 28 of the concluding observations

The Committee notes the information provided by the State party regarding mediation by the Uganda Human Rights Commission in relation to complaints made by migrant workers. However, the Committee is concerned that those cases are handled on an ad hoc basis and that, as stated in the State party’s report, no cases of violations of the rights of migrant workers and members of their families have been taken to the tribunal for adjudication, which may reflect a lack of awareness on their part of their rights and of the legal remedies available to them.

1.Migrant workers complaints are reported to the Commissioner Employment (Externalization Unit). Migrant workers make formal written communication detailing their grievances and the Officer in the Externalization unit contacts the recruiting Company that deployed the workers.

2.A mediation meeting is held between the migrant worker and the recruitment Company and they fail to agree the case is referred to the Industrial Court.

3.The Ministry has created awareness through the publication of Licensed Recruitment Companies, Talk shows are held on various media houses and Capacities of External recruitment companies strengthened.

Paragraph 42 of the concluding observations

The Committee notes the State party’s claim that migrant workers can, in principle, form associations and trade unions, but notes with regret the lack of practical information regarding the implementation of that right. The Committee is concerned that section 76 of the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act prohibits migrant workers from becoming members of the Executive Committee of a trade union or a youth movement in the State party.

4.According to Regulations (of Recruitment of Migrant workers abroad 2005) it is clearly stated that migrant workers have a right to form or join Associations of their choice.

Paragraph 44 of the concluding observations

The Committee notes that the Constitution of Uganda extends voting and political rights to Ugandan migrant workers and members of their families outside the country, but notes with regret that presently there are no mechanisms in place for the Ugandan diaspora to vote in elections in the State party.

5.There are no mechanisms in place for the Ugandans in the Diaspora to participate in the Elections.

Paragraph 45 of the concluding observations

The Committee recommends that the State party undertake measures to ensure the implementation of the right to vote for Ugandan migrant workers residing abroad and increase its efforts towards facilitating the exercise of the right to vote by Ugandan nationals residing and working abroad in the presidential elections to be held in 2016.