The migration of Ugandan housemaids to Saudi Arabia is primarily driven by the “push” factors of domestic unemployment and the “pull” factors of the Middle Eastern demand for low-cost labour. According to the Encyclopaedia of African History and Culture, economic shifts in East Africa have led to a surplus of unskilled labour, particularly among women in rural areas.
This study aims to comprehensively analyse the complex interplay between the perceived economic benefits and the actual risks faced by Ugandan housemaids migrating to Saudi Arabia. The primary objectives are to understand the motivations behind migration, identify the specific conflict issues encountered, assess the effectiveness of current mitigation strategies, and propose actionable recommendations for improving the safety and well-being of these migrant workers. This research is crucial given the increasing number of Ugandan women seeking employment abroad, particularly in the Middle East, and the documented challenges they often face which no other researcher has addressed.