Leaders in Kamwenge District have raised concern over the growing presence of fraudulent labour recruitment companies accused of extorting money from unemployed youth with false promises of jobs both abroad and within the country.
The issue was highlighted during a recent district council meeting held at the district headquarters, where councillors expressed alarm over the increasing number of young people falling victim to such schemes.
Julius Byaruhanga, the district councillor representing Busiriba Sub-county, singled out a company he accused of exploiting desperate youth.
“Twinomujuni Foundation Company Limited has been soliciting about Shs2.5 million from each youth, promising to take them to the Middle East for jobs,” Byaruhanga told the council.
“I have received several distress calls from some of these youths who are now stranded in Kampala after the company officials disappeared,” he added.
Byaruhanga urged district leaders and security agencies to intervene and support the affected youth, while also tightening regulation of labour recruitment agencies operating in the area.
“As the supreme governing body of the district, we must act swiftly to rescue these young people and ensure such illegal companies are stopped from operating,” he said.
In response, District Speaker Gerald Twebaze directed the offices of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) to take immediate action.
“The CAO and RDC must urgently address the situation of the stranded youth in Kampala and carry out thorough investigations into all labour recruitment companies operating in the district,” Twebaze directed.
Resident District Commissioner Aharikundira Africano also issued a warning to residents, urging them to remain vigilant.
“Our people must be cautious when dealing with labour recruitment companies. Some individuals hide behind registered entities to exploit vulnerable, unemployed youth,” Africano cautioned.
District leaders emphasised the need for increased public awareness and stronger enforcement measures to protect young people, as cases of fraudulent labour recruitment continue to rise in the region.
