Govt says to launch first migration policy to boost revenue, protect migrant workers
The policy is the country’s first multisectoral framework designed to bring together all actors involved in migration management in order to harness its benefits while minimising its negative effects.
Following the approval, the internal affairs ministry says it is now preparing for the official launch of the policy, scheduled for March 12, 2026, at Speke Resort Hotel Munyonyo in Kampala city. (File photo/)
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Cabinet on August 4, 2025, approved its first comprehensive migration policy, setting ambitious targets to increase revenue from migration services, strengthen co-ordination among state agencies and better protect migrant workers.
Following the approval, the internal affairs ministry says it is now preparing for the official launch of the policy, scheduled for March 12, 2026, at Speke Resort Hotel Munyonyo in Kampala city.
Vice-President Jessica Rose Epel Alupo is expected to represent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the launch.
Other officials expected at the event include internal affairs minister Kahinda Otafiire and his deputy David Muhoozi.
After the launch, the ministry says it will disseminate the policy through engagements with representatives from government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), development partners, civil society organisations, non-government organisations and the private sector across all regions of Uganda and within the diaspora.
The policy is the country’s first multisectoral framework designed to bring together all actors involved in migration management in order to harness its benefits while minimising its negative effects.
According to the ministry, the policy will guide how government institutions manage migration issues ranging from labour migration and diaspora engagement to border management and protection of migrant workers.
Policy to boost revenue, protect workers
Under the new framework, the Government expects to significantly increase revenue generated from migration-related services.
Non-tax revenue from migration services is projected to rise from shillings 336 billion recorded in the 2023/2024 financial year to at least 504 billion by the 2027/2028 financial year.
Revenue from labour externalisation services, including licensing recruitment agencies, clearing job orders and training and certification, is also expected to grow by 40 per cent, increasing from an estimated shillings 30 billion in 2024 to at least shillings 42 billion by the 2027/2028 financial year.
The Government is also targeting a 20 per cent increase in diaspora remittances from $1.42 billion in 2024 to $1.70 billion by 2029 through improved investment platforms and incentives for Ugandans living abroad.
The policy further aims to strengthen migration governance through institutional reforms and improved data systems.
Key initiatives include establishing and operationalising the Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee on Migration and rolling out a National Integrated Migration Information System covering at least ten core ministries, departments and agencies by December 2026.
The Government also plans to operationalise and accredit the Migration Training Academy in Nakasongola by 2026, with a target of training at least 500 migration officers and stakeholders annually by 2028.
To address concerns around exploitation of migrant workers, the policy seeks to reduce migrant worker abuse complaints and trafficking cases by 50 percent by 2029 through stronger regulation, monitoring and legal support throughout the labour migration cycle.