President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni called on young Ugandans to abandon labor migration, insisting that the country has far more potential for employment than places like Dubai or the UAE. His remarks came shortly after his nomination to contest the 2026 presidential elections.
Museveni Sounds the Alarm
Addressing supporters on Tuesday, Museveni criticized the growing trend of young Ugandans seeking work abroad, warning that many end up exploited and underpaid.
“You find our children going to Dubai, what are you going to do in Dubai? Here, we have got potential for more jobs than the Dubais can have. We have got everything here. You leave wealth here and go to Dubai to work as slaves,” he said.
The Reality of Youth Labor Migration
Uganda has one of the world’s highest youth unemployment rates, driving millions to seek work overseas. The number of Ugandans in the UAE has surged from 40,000 in 2018 to 160,000 in 2025, according to official estimates.
While this diaspora has become a major source of remittances, rising from $50 million in 2018 to $350 million in 2024, the human cost is severe:
- Many face exploitation, abuse, and harsh working conditions
- Young women are particularly vulnerable to trafficking and forced labor, including prostitution
- Reports indicate some have died under abusive circumstances or taken their own lives
Even legal recruitment agencies cannot guarantee safety, highlighting the high risks of migration for work.
Museveni’s Call for Local Opportunity
Instead of seeking work abroad, Museveni urged youth to explore opportunities in Uganda’s four key growth sectors:
- Commercial agriculture – tapping into untapped arable land and agro-processing
- Manufacturing – supporting local industry and small businesses
- Information & Communication Technology (ICT) – fostering innovation and digital entrepreneurship
- Services – expanding tourism, hospitality, and other service-oriented industries
He emphasized that investing in local opportunities can reduce poverty and build sustainable livelihoods for Uganda’s young population.
Analysts Warn Change Is Needed
While Museveni’s message is clear, experts argue that without major economic reforms and creation of decent jobs, young Ugandans may still feel compelled to take risky overseas work to survive.
“The challenge isn’t the lack of opportunities in theory, but the availability of secure, well-paying jobs that match the skills of Uganda’s youth,” analysts say.
The Bigger Picture
Uganda’s youth population is one of the largest in Africa, making youth employment a critical factor for national development. Failure to provide safe, productive local opportunities risks both brain drain and social instability.
Museveni’s warnings are a reminder that while foreign remittances boost the economy, protecting citizens from exploitation and promoting local growth are equally urgent priorities.
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