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Over 40 Ugandans who were recently released by Myanmar rebels remain stranded at the Thailand-Myanmar border, with no means to return home.
According to Uganda’s Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi, the Ugandan Embassy in Malaysia has informed the stranded citizens that it lacks the capacity to facilitate their repatriation.
Nkunyingi has called on well-wishers and rescue organisations, including the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and UN Migration, to step in and assist with securing return tickets for the affected individuals.
“Whoever can assist with return tickets, please do, as we continue reaching out to rescue organisations and demanding that the Uganda Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs steps in to rescue these Ugandan citizens,” he urged.
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Government’s Slow Response Sparks Concerns
This latest crisis raises further concerns about the government’s commitment to rescuing distressed Ugandans abroad, particularly victims of human trafficking.
Despite previous diplomatic engagements, Uganda has struggled to provide immediate assistance to citizens stranded in foreign countries.
Nkunyingi criticised the government’s inaction, stating, “It is absurd that distressed Ugandans abroad are never rescued.”
Information about dozens of Ugandans trapped in Myanmar due to human trafficking came to light in 2023.
In May last year, a group of 23 Ugandans was repatriated after being lured into fake job opportunities, only to be forced into cryptocurrency scams and smuggled across borders.
Their return was facilitated through diplomatic efforts, with support from the Uganda High Commission in Kuala Lumpur and international partners like the IOM.
A Growing Human Trafficking Crisis
The issue of Ugandans falling victim to human trafficking in Myanmar and other countries continues to grow, particularly among the youth.
Nkunyingi has warned Ugandans to seek proper travel advice before considering opportunities in Myanmar and other high-risk regions. “Unfortunately, Uganda victims continue to increase, mostly youth,” he noted.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which previously collaborated with the Ministry of Internal Affairs to combat human trafficking, has yet to announce a concrete plan to assist the stranded Ugandans.