Enhancing the welfare of migrant workers and combating human trafficking is very vital in the process of promoting safe labour migration.
This, was revealed during a meeting between the Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs & Ambassador at Large, H.E. Abbey Walusimbi, who paid a courtesy call on the High Commissioner of India to Uganda, H.E. Ambassador Upender Singh Rawat, at the Embassy in Kampala.
“I had the pleasure of meeting with H.E. Upender Singh Rawat, the High Commissioner of India to Uganda, at the Indian Embassy in Kampala. I was joined by Neeraj Vishwakarma, a committed humanitarian and social worker. Our discussions covered several important areas, with a strong focus on the welfare of Ugandan migrant workers in India and the fight against human trafficking, interests of the Indian community and welfare of Indian workers in Uganda,” said Ambassador Walusimbi.
On the issue of legal migration and skills transfer; the two supremos explored mechanisms to facilitate legal migration pathways for Ugandan professionals to India, highlighting the importance of skill transfer programs in technology, healthcare, and education.
“We discussed the establishment of bilateral agreements or frameworks to ensure the protection of rights and welfare of Ugandan migrants in India, aiming to provide a safe and supportive environment for them,” noted Walusimbi.
He added that, they proposed collaborative efforts to promote tourism between Uganda and India, including joint marketing campaigns, cultural exchanges, and tour packages that showcase both countries’ attractions.
“We examined opportunities for visa facilitation and the development of tourism infrastructure to enhance visitor experiences and encourage reciprocal tourism flows.”
Various priority sectors for joint investment initiatives between Indian and Ugandan businesses were identified, with focus on agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, and information technology. “We discussed mechanisms to facilitate investment flows, such as trade missions, business forums, and investment promotion activities that benefit both countries’ economies,” stated Walusimbi.
Interestingly, the Ambassadors highlighted Uganda’s potential, as a destination for medical tourism and explored possible collaborations with Indian healthcare providers to promote medical services, exchange best practices, and enhance healthcare infrastructure, and capacity-building initiatives for Ugandan healthcare professionals, through professional exchange programs.
Ultimately, the two leaders expect to furthers the bilater ties through cooperating in several areas of development, including tourism, investment, medical tourism, and education, among others.
