Govt to carry out mandatory organ testing for migrant workers

This mainly targets those going to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Gulf countries for employment, especially those going through labour companies.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs spokesperson, Simon Mundeyi said the centers are to be set up where all those leaving the country will be checked for free.

“This is aimed at ensuring that all the body organs of those traveling are intact. They will be checked as they leave and on return.

This will also include checking the health status of our people. In case we find any body part missing, it will help us to institute thorough investigations,” he said.

Of recent, there have been accusations of organ trafficking and abuse among those Ugandans working in the UAE.

“One time someone complained that her kidney was removed but when we checked, we realised she was born with only one. So these are the things we want to avoid,” Mudenyi noted.

While addressing journalists at the weekly police briefing at the police headquarters in Naguru, a Kampala suburb on Monday, he said this is aimed at safeguarding Ugandans and dealing with some accusations which might not be true.