Global Migration Agency Launches Shs440bn Strategy for Uganda

Statistics reveal that 12.8% of the population is moving from rural to urban areas, while over 100,000 Ugandans are working in the Gulf region, and approximately 1.7 million refugees reside in Uganda.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has officially launched its USD 210 million (about Shs440bn) Country Strategy for Uganda for the period 2024-2028.
This comprehensive strategy aims to enhance migration management in Uganda over the next four years, focusing on three key priorities: saving lives and protecting people on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating pathways for regular migration.
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In a country marked by a unique demographic profile—with 77% of its population classified as youth, and 41% facing unemployment—migration management has become an urgent topic of discussion.
Statistics reveal that 12.8% of the population is moving from rural to urban areas, while over 100,000 Ugandans are working in the Gulf region, and approximately 1.7 million refugees reside in Uganda.
Representing Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at the launch event, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Okello Oryem reaffirmed the Ugandan government’s commitment to implementing the strategy, particularly in developing economic opportunities for its citizens.
"Government efforts through the Parish Development Model (PDM) aim to provide opportunities for youth, women, and men at home, which will help mitigate factors driving youth unemployment," Oryem stated.
Uganda's position in Tier 2 of trafficking cases is concerning, with statistics indicating that 71% of detected trafficking victims are women and girls aged 13 to 24 years.
In light of this, IOM Regional Director for East Horn and Southern Africa, Frantz Celestin, emphasized the need for a pragmatic approach to migration.
"This will be achieved through our three priorities: saving lives and protecting people on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating pathways for regular migration," Celestin added.
Despite Uganda's commendable efforts in managing migration and serving as a host country for refugees, there are persistent challenges.
Guillaume Chartrain, deputy head of Delegation of the European Union, highlighted the need to address labor migrant issues such as exploitation and worker protections.
"The difficulties in regular recruitment agencies have marred the positive impact of migration," he noted.
Christopher Jones, Regional Director of the US government, urged stakeholders to focus on the economic importance of migration, which remains largely untapped.
The IOM’s new Country Strategy is a pivotal step toward fostering effective migration management that prioritizes the needs of the world’s most vulnerable populations while creating sustainable opportunities for all Ugandans.