A somber mood engulfed Entebbe International Airport yesterday as the body of 28-year-old Teddy Namata, a Ugandan domestic worker who had traveled to Saudi Arabia in search of employment, was returned home in a coffin.
Namata, a resident of Wakiso District, had left Uganda in August 2023 under a labor export arrangement promising better economic prospects. Like many young Ugandans struggling with unemployment, she hoped to earn money to support her family. However, her dream tragically ended under circumstances that remain unclear.
According to family members, Namata had communicated with them regularly during her first few months in Riyadh. However, her calls became infrequent, and in early March this year, all communication ceased. Weeks later, the family received word through unofficial channels that Namata had died. The official cause of death provided by her employer was “respiratory complications,” a claim the family disputes.
“She was strong and healthy when she left. We don’t believe she just died suddenly,” said Sarah Nakimera, Namata’s elder sister, during a tearful gathering at their home in Nansana. “We want answers. We want justice.”
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development confirmed receipt of the body and stated that investigations are ongoing. “We are working with the Ugandan Embassy in Riyadh and relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia to establish the facts surrounding Namata’s death,” said ministry spokesperson Frank Mugabi.
Namata’s return in a coffin reignites debate over the safety and regulation of labor export to the Middle East. Human rights activists and labor unions have long raised concerns about the mistreatment of Ugandan migrant workers abroad, particularly domestic workers in Gulf countries.
“This is not an isolated case,” said Jacqueline Aol, a labor rights advocate. “We need stronger protections, stricter monitoring of recruitment agencies, and government accountability.”
As Namata is laid to rest later this week, her family hopes her tragic story will not be in vain. They urge the government to take more decisive steps to protect Ugandans seeking opportunities abroad.
Namata is survived by her two young children and elderly mother.