The family of Milly Namutamba, a Ugandan woman who died while working as a domestic maid in Saudi Arabia, has been awarded Shs250 million in damages by the High Court. The ruling followed a lawsuit against Horeb Services Uganda, the labor export firm responsible for her recruitment, and its managing director, Ezra Mugisha.
Justice Boniface Wamala condemned the company for failing to inform Namutamba’s family of her death and secret burial in Saudi Arabia, stating that such negligence had caused immense grief and psychological distress.
“The applicants suffered mental anguish and pain after learning their family member had died and was buried without their consultation,” he said.
The court awarded Shs200 million in general damages and an additional Shs50 million in exemplary damages. Namutamba’s daughter, Desire Namale, and brother, Charles Muyingo Mutasa, had initially sought Shs700 million in compensation.
Namutamba left Uganda for Saudi Arabia in August 2018, and was in regular contact with her family until communication suddenly stopped five months later. The family later learned through unofficial channels that she had died, with Horeb Services confirming her death but failing to provide an explanation or arrange for them to pay their last respects.
Titus Asiimwe, the family’s lawyer, praised the ruling, stating, “This decision sends a clear message that labor export companies must take responsibility for their recruits.” Namale also expressed relief, calling the court’s decision a victory for families who have lost loved ones abroad.
The case has underscored concerns about the treatment of Ugandan migrant workers in the Middle East, where reports of abuse and unexplained deaths are common. Primah Kwagala, another lawyer for the family, emphasized that the ruling sets an important precedent for holding labor recruiters accountable for their actions.
