The government of Uganda has released a comprehensive list of 228 officially licensed external labour companies.
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) has urged citizens to remain vigilant and to interact only with authorised operators.
The government has expressed concern over the increasing number of Ugandans who have reported losing money to unregistered recruitment firms. The Ministry revealed that all the licensed recruitment companies are subject to strict regulations and are monitored closely, emphasising their duty to safeguard the welfare and safety of workers going abroad.
Mr Balaam Barugahara, the state minister in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, said: “We are committed to protecting our young people from exploitation. If you have been cheated by any licensed company, the Ministry will support you in recovering your money. Always verify that the recruiter is licensed before engaging with them,” posted on his X formerly Twitter.
He explained that the government has released the official list of licensed labour export companies as of 7th April 2026. This comes amid growing concerns that many young people are being cheated by traffickers and fraudulent recruiters who exploit their desperation for jobs abroad.
“These are the licensed labour export companies as of 7th April 2026. Many young people are losing money to traffickers and fraudulent companies. Please stay alert. Many young people cry out after being cheated,” said Mr Barugahara.
He added that if any of the companies listed below have cheated you, the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development will support you in recovering your money.
Additionally, these companies are responsible for following up on your safety and welfare in any workplace you are recruited to. They are fully regulated and monitored by the government through the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development.
He asked the Ugandans seeking jobs abroad to visit the nearest Ministry of Labour office or the official website for assistance and more information.
Mr Barugahara has urged all Ugandans to verify recruiters against the licensed list, stressing that only approved companies are monitored and held accountable for workers’ welfare abroad.
Currently, Uganda also grapples with a large informal economy, with the majority of its citizens engaged in vulnerable employment. Moreover, the formal economy is also tainted with many decent work deficits and high levels of informalized wage employment.
List of licensed external labour companies :