Uganda/Silent Suffering: Unveiling the Human Rights Abuse of House Maids and Domestic Workers.

In many parts of the world, domestic workers, often referred to as house maids, work tirelessly behind closed doors, providing invaluable support to households. Despite their essential contributions, they remain among the most vulnerable and marginalized groups, subjected to exploitation, abuse, and violation of their basic human rights.

Uganda, a country known for its warm hospitality and vibrant culture is not an exception and it unfortunately bears a hidden truth within its homes. In many Ugandan households and across the world, domestic workers are an integral part of daily life, undertaking essential tasks such as cleaning, cooking, childcare, and other household chores. However, their presence often masks the exploitation and abuse they endure at the hands of employers.

Kate Nabunya (not real name), a house maid in one of Uganda’s Posh neighborhoods says she works for excessive hours without adequate rest. “Most times I work tirelessly from dawn till late into the night, with little or no time for rest or personal breaks. The physical and mental toll this takes on me is immeasurable, and sometimes suffer from exhaustion, stress, and health issues” Say Ms. Nabunya.

Despite their significant contributions to households, domestic workers in Uganda are often paid meager wages, far below the minimum wage standards. Moreover, wage withholding is a prevalent issue, where unscrupulous employers exploit their vulnerable position, holding back salaries or making unjustifiable deductions.

Some are also frequently subjected to verbal and physical abuse by employers. Their lack of legal protection and fear of losing their livelihoods often prevent them from reporting such incidents, leading to the normalization of abusive behaviors.

Teddy Owira, another domestic worker says she has fallen victim to sexual exploitation and gender-based violence especially from her male bosses. “He always comes back home before madam (the wife) and sleeps with me, and tells me not to report”, says the teary-eyed Owira.

Trapped in unfamiliar environments without support, such young vulnerable girls become easy targets for predatory employers, further undermining their dignity and well-being.

What to do:

Protecting abused domestic workers requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach that involves legal, social, and systemic changes. Firstly, governments must enact and enforce robust labor laws that specifically address the rights and protection of domestic workers. These laws should prohibit all forms of abuse, ensure fair wages, reasonable working hours, and establish clear mechanisms for reporting and addressing abuse cases. Additionally, governments should implement rigorous monitoring and enforcement measures to hold employers accountable for mistreatment and to provide a safe environment for domestic workers to seek assistance without fear of retaliation.

Secondly, raising awareness and promoting empathy within society is crucial in protecting domestic workers from abuse. Public awareness campaigns, educational programs, and media initiatives should be launched to challenge harmful stereotypes and highlight the essential contributions of domestic workers. Employers must be educated about their responsibilities and the rights of domestic workers, fostering a culture of respect and appreciation.

Ruth Atim

Uganda