I have been observing the increasing number of expatriates and volunteers in Uganda and the organizations that they work with. I thank those that are doing an honorable job in various parts of our country and those that have developed programmes that continue to help our nation. At the same time, I thank the various employers and organizations that continue to welcome these brothers and sisters into the country.
Same time, I am wondering how many people the Ugandan government sends out to either Europe, Asia, America, Europe or Australia as volunteers or as expatriates because every day, there are hundreds of people storming the Internal Affairs Ministry and the various Embassies in search of passports and visas. But what they will do when they get to the new country is not necessarily what they would love to do. It is not even close to what they are skilled in or qualified to do.
When you meet many of them in their new environment or having returned home, and ask them what they’re doing with themselves, they are ashamed to take you through it. It is sad to see our people selling their property hoping to find greener pasture only to end up serving tea in cafes, washing toilets, and working as security guards. Everyday, this bothers me, especially knowing that the brothers and sisters have various skills that many in their new adopted country may not see.
For those who are planning to leave the country hoping to find greener pasture, be sure that you know what you are going to do and how it will enhance your life. In many cases, you may look at making money as the major aim of being out there but what you shouldn’t forget is that money isn’t everything. I am sure you have heard of our sisters who have left Uganda for Dubai and other countries, only to end up as sex workers and maids. You also know those that have been arrested and charged with prostitution, held in countries like Malaysia waiting for their death and their bodies to be sent back home.
Tell me you haven’t heard of brothers and sisters that have been convicted in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Asia and elsewhere, trying to smuggle drugs with hopes of making quick money. It is high time that we all used our prolific minds to develop programmes that will help our people attain better standards of living, here in Uganda. For example, join hands to see that Uganda has a minimum wage policy.
To the various Embassies in Uganda, I am humbly requesting that you only issue out visas to Ugandans that are sure of where they are heading and what they are going to do. I ask you because in most cases it’s you that grants them visa permission to migrate.
To our beloved government and the Ministry in charge, it’s high time you started having talks with the various organizations and companies to have our people work in these countries as volunteers or skilled professionals rather than manual laborer migrant workers. Sending them as guards is not enough and I am sure that 99.5% of those that go as guards are not interested in doing that, but because of the need for money they are left with no other option.
To the other continents, Africa is a blessed continent in various ways and you shouldn’t look at its children as only fit to be guards, cleaners, maids, and other similar positions. The sisters and brothers are skilled professionals who can make great leaders, doctors, consultants, artists, and so on. Welcome them and work with them rather than having them “work for you”. Treat them the way ‘we’ treat your own while here in Uganda.
Finally, to be productive and constructive doesn’t mean that you come from what is referred to as “the developed world”. Whether from Africa, Asia, Europe, America, or Australia, we all need each other.
Slim Emcee
[UG] the poet a.k.a Kabubi Herman
Slim Emcee [UG] the poet a.k.a Kabubi Herman is a copywriter and a co founder of Fortune Unlimited, where he is an administrator, poetry teacher, mentor, writer, Emcee, as well as a performance poet. He also represents other movements such as Poetry in session, Bavubuka Dynasty, and Afrikan Yoga.