Minister Henry Tumukunde Gives Directives to Labour Export Recruitment Firms to register afresh.

The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Lt Gen. (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde, has directed all external labour recruitment companies to reapply for operating licences as the government moves to streamline and strengthen oversight of Uganda’s labour export sector.

Speaking during a meeting with external labour recruitment agencies and pre-departure orientation and training institutions on July 15, 2026, Tumukunde said every recruitment company, regardless of how long it has operated, would be required to undergo a fresh licensing process.

“All of you will reapply. Whether you have been in this industry for 40 years, you will all reapply,” Tumukunde told the recruiters.

The minister said the exercise is aimed at cleaning up the sector and ensuring that only compliant and credible companies are allowed to continue recruiting Ugandans for jobs abroad.

Gen. Tumukunde also directed all labour recruitment firms to form or join recognised industry associations within one month, saying it would be impossible for the ministry to effectively engage with hundreds of individual companies.

“You must associate. And I’m giving you a deadline of one month. You must belong somewhere. It’s not optional,” he said.

According to the minister, organised associations will elect leaders to represent the industry’s interests during engagements with the ministry, while seasoned players in the sector will provide advisory support to strengthen professionalism and accountability.

The move forms part of broader government efforts to improve regulation of Uganda’s labour export industry, which has expanded rapidly in recent years amid growing demand for overseas employment opportunities.