Former National Resistance Movement (NRM) vice chairperson Captain Mike Mukula has said the growing global demand for skilled labour presents a major economic opportunity for Uganda, urging the country to position itself as a key supplier of human capital.
In a statement, Mukula noted that countries across Europe, North America, the Middle East and parts of Asia are increasingly recruiting foreign workers to fill critical gaps in their labour markets.
He cited sectors such as healthcare, engineering, aviation, construction, education and information technology as among those facing acute shortages.
“The world is experiencing an unprecedented shortage of skilled professionals,” Mukula said. “Ageing populations, declining birth rates and expanding industries have made labour mobility a global necessity.”
He argued that labour migration should not be viewed as a crisis but rather as an evolving economic reality with mutual benefits.
According to Mukula, countries that send skilled workers abroad gain through remittances, employment creation and skills transfer, while receiving nations sustain their productivity and economic growth.
Mukula emphasised that Uganda must prioritise investment in human capital development to remain competitive in the global labour market.
“The future belongs to nations that invest in developing skilled human capital,” he said, pointing to the need for targeted training aligned with international standards.
He further described Uganda’s diaspora as a “strategic national asset,” highlighting its growing economic contribution.
Official estimates indicate that between 300,000 and 500,000 Ugandans are employed abroad under formal labour arrangements, while the broader diaspora population exceeds 1.5 million.
In 2025, remittances from Ugandans living overseas reached a record US$2.5 billion, according to Mukula.
The inflows have played a key role in strengthening foreign exchange reserves, supporting household incomes and financing essential services such as education and healthcare.
“Their contribution demonstrates that skilled labour export, when properly managed and protected, can drive economic growth and national development,” Mukula stated.
His remarks come amid ongoing regional debates on labour externalisation policies, worker welfare and the long-term impact of migration on domestic labour markets.