National Consultation Advances Development of Uganda’s Return and Reintegration Framework

From 18 - 19 March 2026, Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD), with support from the ILO under the UK FCDO-funded BRMM Programme, convened a national consultation workshop in Kampala to support the development of Uganda’s National Return and Reintegration Framework for migrant workers. The workshop brought together 36 (16 Women) participants from government institutions, workers’ and employers’ organizations, private recruitment agencies, civil society organizations, migrant training institutions, and the ILO to discuss key challenges and priorities related to the reintegration of returned migrant workers. Discussions highlighted the growing number of Ugandans seeking employment abroad, particularly in the Middle East, Europe, and across Africa, as well as the challenges many face upon return, including unemployment, psychosocial stress, and limited access to support services. Participants noted that Uganda currently lacks a comprehensive national framework on return and reintegration, resulting in fragmented coordination and limited structured support for returnees.

Reintegration should not exist in isolation but fit within broader national migration and development policies

Theodoor Sparreboom, Labour Migration Specialist, ILO

The consultation focused on key thematic areas, including policy and institutional frameworks, skills recognition, employment promotion, social protection, psychosocial support, gender-responsive reintegration, and coordination mechanisms. Stakeholders also reviewed existing practices, identified gaps, and shared regional and international good practices to inform the framework development process. The workshop concluded with a shared understanding of Uganda’s return and reintegration priorities and generated key stakeholder recommendations to guide the finalization and implementation of the National Return and Reintegration Framework.