Ugandans Trafficked to Israel Return After Year of Forced Labour

A group of Ugandan migrant workers who were allegedly trafficked to Israel and subjected to forced labour for nearly a year is expected to return home tonight, according to Kyeyo Initiative Uganda, a civil society organisation advocating for migrant workers’ rights.

The individuals, whose exact number remains unconfirmed, reportedly paid Shs6 million each to a labour export company identified only as “Sure” based in Nateete, Kampala.

They were promised jobs as security guards in Dubai, but instead, were taken to Israel, arrested upon arrival, and forced to clean roads without pay under what the group has described as “exploitative conditions.”

“This is modern-day slavery hiding behind recruitment scams. These workers were robbed, deceived, and exploited,” said a spokesperson for Kyeyo Initiative Uganda, who declined to be named for safety reasons.

“We are grateful to everyone who supported the rescue effort.”

The workers are said to have survived for a year solely on food provided by Israeli authorities, with no wages or legal employment contracts.

Kyeyo Initiative Uganda did not disclose details of the rescue process or which agencies were involved, citing ongoing investigations.

The company that arranged their travel is now under investigation by Ugandan authorities.

“We are determined to bring the traffickers to justice,” the spokesperson said.

It remains unclear whether the firm is licensed or registered with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, which regulates external labour recruitment in Uganda.

Israel has previously raised concerns about illegal migrant entry through non-traditional channels.

Ugandan workers are not officially cleared for labour in Israel under Uganda’s current bilateral agreements, which have focused primarily on countries in the Gulf region.

The case underscores growing concerns over fraudulent labour export schemes in Uganda, especially as high youth unemployment fuels desperate attempts to seek work abroad.

Human rights advocates are calling for tighter regulation of recruitment agencies, more rigorous verification of overseas contracts, and enhanced public awareness to protect vulnerable job seekers.

Kyeyo Initiative Uganda has urged the government to expand bilateral protections and improve pre-departure training so that migrant workers understand their rights and risks.

“Until we clean up the system, many more will fall prey to these schemes,” the spokesperson warned.

Authorities have not yet released the names of the rescued workers, but family members are expected to receive them upon arrival in Entebbe later tonight.

More information is expected once formal debriefings are concluded.