Mystery as 27-Year-Old Ugandan Returns From Abroad in a Coffin

A very sad and painful moment was witnessed at Entebbe International Airport on Thursday when the body of 27-year-old Teddy Namata arrived in a casket.

Teddy had travelled to Saudi Arabia last year to work and earn money for her family. Instead of coming back home full of hope and success, she returned lifeless, leaving her family in shock and deep sorrow.

Her family members, friends, and community members gathered at the airport with tears in their eyes. They had waited for weeks to know what had happened to Teddy, but all they received was silence and confusion.

Her body returned home on May 1st—Labour Day—a day meant to honour workers. For her, it became a day of mourning.

Teddy went to Saudi Arabia in late 2023 with dreams of supporting her family in Luweero. She had found work as a housemaid through a recruitment agency. Like many young Ugandans, she wanted a better life. Sadly, she never got to live that dream.

The cause of her death is still unknown. Her employer and the agency that sent her abroad have not explained how she died. “We just want the truth. We can’t bury her in peace without answers,” one family member said.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time something like this has happened. Many Ugandan migrant workers, especially women in the Middle East, have died under unclear conditions.

Human rights groups blame a system called “kafala,” where workers are tied to their employers and have very little protection. This system has led to many cases of abuse, overwork, and even violence.

The Ugandan government has been asked many times to do more to protect its citizens working abroad. Some labour export companies have been warned or suspended, but not much has changed. Families like Teddy’s continue to suffer in silence.

Now, her loved ones want answers, justice, and stronger protections for others like her