Another fifty Ugandans previously jailed in SAUDI Arabian prisons on Friday returned home aboard an Air Saudi flight, bringing the total of freed Ugandans from Saudi Arabia to 130. They were welcomed home by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Gender Joshua Kyalimpa, and the chairperson of the Federation of All Migrant Workers Association Kenneth Oloka.
The number of Ugandans regaining their freedom from Saudi jails is destined to increase because every day discovery of such Ugandans is made as many used under hand methods to gain entry to Saudi Arabia.
Another batch of Ugandans is expected to jet in tomorrow, according to the Presidential Advisor on external labourers Haji Abbey Walusimbi, who says their campaign to rescue such Ugandans is moving according to schedule.
Among Ugandans expected back home are those in United Arab Emirates prisons especially in Dubai and Sharjah with an agreement that they are to be released under the 130 from Saudi Arabia.
The campaign to rescue Ugandans in jail abroad is spearheaded by President Museveni who named a team to travel to Arab countries to negotiate with those governments to release them. The team is headed by the State Minister for workers and employment Esther Davinia Anyakun and Walusimbi.
Walusimbi disclosed that government is committed to secure freedom for all Ugandans abroad, and is willing to provide them with social and material rehabilitation before reuniting them with their families, working in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
According to the chairman for the Federation of Migrant Workers Association Kenneth Oloka, available documents indicate that there are still over 200 Ugandans languishing in Arabian countries’ jails who need assistance. He said they get information about the detainees from either their relatives, or from detainees themselves using all available methods.
He appealed to people with relatives detained in Arab countries to approach the association and provide information leading to possible release of their kinsfolk under the ongoing exercise. He alerted government about Ugandans on death row in Saudi Arabia and Jordan, including Juma Kasumba, Nuhuwat Nambi, Kamada Musoke, Zainat Alinda and Innocent Neema, who he said also need high level intervention to be released.
The returnees give different views about their ordeal. Jalia Nansubuga says she regrets the day she decided to go to Saudi Arabia, saying it marked the beginning of her woes. She warned Ugandans jumping on the bandwagon with some getting into illegal methods, cautioning that it is not a bed of roses as she was herself treated to treatment like being denied to access a phone, starvation and many others.
Nansubuga says she was arrested after framed up charges including theft of money, gold and cosmetics were brought against her and she was jailed. She added that while caring for Arabs’ children calls for a lot of care because whatever happens to the children makes the Ugandan workers answerable.
Sarah Nakiwala said many Ugandans are undergoing untold suffering in Saudi prisons, with some dying with no information pertaining to their deaths being released. She appealed to government if possible to block Ugandans from going to Arabian countries in search of jobs.
She sadly noted that many Ugandans end up in jail with no offence committed but demanding for salaries from their bosses and that when they report to police, they are arrested and charges are brought against them.
Below is the most recent list of Ugandans who returned from Saudi Arabia:
Doreen Bukirwa, Jalia Nansubuga, Irene Nanyonga, Nassim Nakabambwe, Mariat Mufanjala, Kanyesigye Honest, Brenda Nakayise, Jastine Kyakuwaire, Nntambaazi Reginah, Faridah Namuli,Jackline Kwikiriza, Susan Namalembe, Eseza Naigaga, Annet Kirabo, Anyango Brenda, Esther Nabakiibi, Rebecca Nmakula, Prosy Nakayeng, Ninsiima Justine, Evasita Basemera, Nabukeera Laura, Shadia Mazzi and JHosephine Kabugho.
Others areNakato Moreen, Ainembabazi Catherine, Teddy Nakayiz, Irene Nassozi, Stella Mercy Tibikoma, Betty Nkawuki, Arinaitwe Scovia, Nabayunga Rashidah, Joyce Nagawa, Cissy Namigadde, Janet Nakayiza, Juliet Nansibuka, Juliet Nmulabya, Muhindo Mary, Akello Anna Mary, Sarah Arionget, Ainomugugisha Consolata, Nakawuki Dinah Kigundu, Barbara Namugga, BalungiRehema and Nkanwagi Zam.