Ugandan migrant workers have raised serious concerns over an insurance scheme promoted by SPADE Insurance and NIC Insurance Brokers, calling it exploitative and inadequate in addressing their actual needs.

The workers argue that the scheme fails to offer meaningful social protection and leaves many vulnerable in times of need.

Abdullah Kayonde, President of Migrant Workers Voice, criticized the scheme, stating that insurance alone is insufficient.

He emphasized that such coverage only applies under limited circumstances and does not support workers in many of the real-life challenges they face while abroad.

Kayonde stressed that what migrant workers truly need is a broader social security program that safeguards them and acknowledges the full scope of risks they encounter.

Many Ugandan migrant workers continue to endure harsh conditions in foreign countries, including exploitation, abuse, and lack of access to support systems.

These challenges have intensified calls for a more holistic social protection framework one that goes beyond insurance policies and genuinely responds to the humanitarian and economic needs of migrant laborers.

The workers are now advocating for a rights-based approach to social security, recognizing their dignity, vulnerabilities, and the need for consistent, reliable support.

Spades Insurance brokers on Wednesday launched Uganda Migrant Workers Insurance Scheme initiative with the aim to safeguard the financial security and dignity of Uganda workers abroad.

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