General Henry Tumukunde, a prominent Ugandan politician, has called on recruitment agencies to focus on exporting skilled workers to address the country’s high unemployment rates. Speaking at a recent conference, Gen Tumukunde emphasized the need for Uganda to tap into the global labor market, highlighting the vast opportunities available for skilled workers. He noted that many Ugandans possess the skills and qualifications required by international employers, but often lack the necessary connections and support to secure jobs abroad. Gen Tumukunde urged recruitment agencies to play a more active role in identifying and promoting skilled workers, particularly in fields such as healthcare, technology, and engineering. By exporting skilled workers, Uganda can earn valuable foreign exchange and reduce its reliance on foreign aid. Furthermore, this can also help to address the brain drain phenomenon, where skilled workers leave the country in search of better opportunities. The government has been working to create an enabling environment for recruitment agencies to operate, and Gen Tumukunde’s call is seen as a timely reminder of the importance of this sector in driving economic growth and development.

