Stakeholders Review Uganda’s Pre-Departure Training Curriculum for Migrant Workers

From 16 - 17 March 2026, Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD), with support from the ILO under the UK FCDO-funded Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme, convened a national consultation workshop in Kampala to review and revise Uganda’s Pre-Departure Orientation and Training curriculum for migrant workers. The workshop brought together 38 participants (15 women) from government institutions, workers and employers’ organisations, private recruitment agencies, migrant worker training institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners engaged in labour migration governance. Discussions highlighted the growing demand for overseas employment among Ugandan workers across sectors such as domestic work, caregiving, security services, and other service occupations. Participants noted that the current curriculum primarily targets domestic workers and does not adequately respond to the needs of migrant workers in other occupations. Participants also noted that some migrant workers continue to face challenges due to limited awareness of their rights and obligations, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive and occupation-responsive training curriculum.

The ministry is making efforts to ensure that every migrant worker is equipped with standard training before departing. It will enable them to have a better understanding of their rights and obligations

Dr. Lawrence Egulu, Commissioner – Employment Services

The consultation focused on strengthening the curriculum to provide migrant workers with relevant skills, practical information, and rights-based knowledge before departure. Key discussions covered expanding the curriculum to multiple occupations, strengthening assessment and certification systems, and improving quality assurance mechanisms. Stakeholders also emphasized the need to raise awareness about migrant worker support services, including the Migrant Workers Support Centre (MWSC), and recommended the re-establishment of the returnee support desk at the airport. The workshop concluded with consolidated stakeholder recommendations to guide the revision and implementation of a more comprehensive and responsive pre-departure training curriculum aimed at improving the preparedness, protection, and welfare of Ugandan migrant workers.