These Ugandans are reportedly fighting alongside rebel groups against the military government that took control from the civilian leaders three years ago.
Addressing Parliament plenary on Thursday, Hon. John Mulimba, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs responsible for Regional Affairs, confirmed the involvement of Ugandan nationals in the conflict in Myanmar, emphasizing that their participation was against their will.
Myanmar is currently dealing with the consequences of a military coup that removed the civilian government under the leadership of State Counsellor Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.
The country is now a battlefield involving more than 30 rebel groups, a conflict that has displaced more than 1.5 million people. Minister Mulimba informed the parliament that Ugandans involved in the conflict were deceived by fraudulent employment advertisements.
"Most victims respond to an online advertisement for 'highly paying jobs' in Thailand and Malaysia, and when they embark on the journeys either by air or by boats via the ports of Mombasa, they are received by traffickers at the designated places," he explained. "They are then transferred to Myanmar via boats or road to rebel-controlled areas."
Addressing claims that over 400 Ugandans were caught in the conflict, the minister clarified that only 30 Ugandans are known to be in the custody of rebels, located in two distinct camps, and he provided their names.
This statement came in response to a directive from Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, following concerns voiced by Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Hon Muwada Nkunyingi. Nkunyingi raised the issue after being contacted by some of the detained Ugandans.
Discussing the Ugandan government's response, Minister Mulimba shared that Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja led an inter-agency meeting in December of the previous year to formulate strategies for the Ugandans' release.
The meeting led to the Ugandan Ambassador in Kuala Lumpur being assigned to liaise with Myanmar's authorities for their release. Moreover, the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance was instructed to initiate an awareness campaign on social media to educate citizens about the risks of human trafficking and fraudulent schemes.
On January 16, 2024, Mulimba held discussions with H.R. U Than Swe, Deputy Prime Minister & Union Minister of Myanmar, during the NAM Summit in Kampala, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The minister also highlighted the precarious position of Ugandans in Egypt, who are under pressure to regularize their status or face deportation, following directives from the Egyptian government.
This situation places a significant burden on Ugandans abroad, requiring substantial funding for their evacuation and support.
"My Ministry will be engaging the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister on how to find the resources to execute these noble endeavors," Mulimba stated.
He further underscored the importance of funding consular functions to protect Ugandans abroad and supported the suggestion by Honorable Semujju Nganda to establish a migrant or consular protection fund to improve the ministry's and the missions' capacity to offer timely consular protection.