The Consul General of Uganda in Dubai Ambassador Henry Mayega and Consul General of Kenya Ambassador Peter M. Mwendwa have met and discussed how best they can upgrade the existing labor externalization Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The two ambassadors and other East Africa Consul Generalsmet at Kenya’s consulate in Dubai where they formally introduced themselves to each other.
Speaking to Eagle Online, Ambassador Mayega said Uganda signed MoU with the brotherly UAE government to streamline labor externalization and it will soon be implemented. Under the MoU, Ugandans will be accorded more contracts for professional jobs like engineers, teachers and sundry, insurance and other benefits.
Mayega said there are 100,000 Ugandans living and working in the UAE. They remit $200 million (Shs762 billion) from UAE.
Recently, the UAE government deported over 1000 Ugandans for overstaying and accumulated fines. The group was reportedly part of the over 1000 Ugandans detained at Al Aweer immigration center and other facilities.
“We need to tighten controls on the companies that do labor externalization. The consulate is mobilizing the Diaspora to do all manner of things that contribute to the development of Uganda,” he said.
He applauded ambassador Mwendwa for supporting Uganda’s community in Dubai before the opening of Uganda’s Consulate. The consulate was opened in June this year.
“Thank you for the warm welcome and the consular support that was rendered to the Ugandan community in Dubai before the opening of Uganda’s Consulate. That was done in the spirit of humanity in particular and the East African Community in general,” Mayega said.
The two Consul Generals pledged to resuscitate the EAC Diplomatic Corps working group for better lobbying, Economic and Commercial Diplomacy.
