Uganda Launches Migrant Workers Call Centre to Strengthen Protection Services

On 12 March 2026, the National Organization of Trade Unions (NOTU), with support from the ILO under the UK FCDO-funded Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme, launched the Migrant Workers Call Centre in Kampala, Uganda. The initiative establishes a dedicated platform to provide migrant workers and their families with accessible information, grievance support, counselling, and referral services throughout the migration cycle. As labour migration continues to provide employment opportunities for many Ugandans abroad, migrant workers often face challenges, such as deceptive recruitment,, contract substitution, excessive recruitment fees, non-payment of wages, confiscation of passports, forced labour, and limited access to justice. The call centre aims to strengthen protection mechanisms by offering reliable information and coordinated support services.

The Government of Uganda has prioritised the strengthening of systems that protect migrant workers throughout the migration cycle, from recruitment, pre-departure, to employment abroad, and eventually reintegration upon return

Mr. Lawrence Egulu, Commissioner for Employment Services

Equipped with inbound calling services and digital communication platforms, including WhatsApp support, the call centre will facilitate communication between migrant workers, government institutions, trade unions, and other stakeholders involved in labour migration governance. The launch event brought together around 150 participants from government institutions, workers’ and employers’ organizations, recruitment agencies, civil society organisations, migrant worker associations, development partners, and media. Participants were introduced to the call centre’s services, including safe migration information, grievance registration, and referral mechanisms linking migrant workers to relevant support institutions. The initiative is expected to improve access to protection services and strengthen coordination among stakeholders supporting migrant workers and their families.