Mr. Kayonde Abdallah, serving as President of the Migrant Workers' Voice Organisation and interim President of the Federation of Ugandan Migrant Workers Associations (FUMWA), is currently participating in a major three-day conference in Nairobi. The event, “Strengthening Trade Union Action to Advance Fair Recruitment in Africa,” is jointly organized by ITUC-Africa and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
In his capacity as International Director for Ugandan migrant workers, Mr. Kayonde is representing the interests of Uganda’s migrant workforce at this significant gathering, which is dedicated to advancing ethical recruitment and safeguarding the rights of migrant workers throughout Africa.
During his address, Mr. Kayonde pressed African governments especially those whose citizens migrate for work to accelerate the process of recognizing migrant workers’ leadership and ensuring their active participation in all stages of fair and ethical recruitment. He emphasized that achieving justice for migrant workers who have faced exploitation requires a well-structured social system.
This, he argued, can only be achieved if both sending and receiving countries establish robust labour migration laws underpinned by binding bilateral labour agreements, moving beyond mere regulations. He noted that current regulatory approaches have often proven ineffective, leaving many African migrant workers particularly those heading to Gulf states vulnerable to abuse.
Additionally, Mr. Kayonde called upon governments and would-be migrant workers to join forces in combating human trafficking, a practice that not only leads to serious exploitation but also puts migrants’ lives at risk. He warned that victims frequently become entangled with elusive criminal networks, making justice elusive for all parties involved. “Prevention is superior to reaction and rescue operations,” he insisted, advocating for proactive strategies to protect migrant workers before problems arise.
The conference convenes trade union leaders from across Africa to build their skills, share best practices, and develop cohesive advocacy strategies for fair recruitment. Through interactive sessions, participants will deepen their understanding of international and regional frameworks, such as the ILO’s Fair Recruitment Initiative and the African Union’s Fair and Ethical Recruitment Strategy.
Mr. Kayonde’s leadership and advocacy at the conference underscore his steadfast dedication to upholding the rights and dignity of African migrant workers. The results of this event are anticipated to guide future initiatives and policy discussions, paving the way for safer, more equitable, and transparent labour migration systems across the continent and beyond.
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